Whether it's by land, rail, air or via the information superhighway, there is nothing remote about Charles City, Iowa. Much of the city's infrastructure was replaced following a devastating tornado in 1968. And over the past few years, community planners have been resolute and astute in partnering with the public and private sectors to ensure a sophistication to Charles City's infrastructure.

Proximity to Markets
Charles City's state-of-the-art infrastructure, rail lines, one Level II regional airport and strategically-designed highway system reach out to regional, global and international markets. The latest and most far-reaching development involves the completion of the Avenue of the Saints (Iowa 27) highway which extends from St. Louis to Minneapolis/St. Paul. All of these factors are yet one more reason why more and more companies are including Charles City in their exciting vision for the road ahead.

Telecommunications
Charles City is wired for the information superhighway. The state's vast and sophisticated fiber optic network - - also called the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) - - serves the Charles City school system and other city, state and county facilities. The ICN network - which was completed in Charles City in 1996 - connects to the information highway and is available to the private sector to meet growing communications needs.

Highways and Byways
Charles City serves as the junction for three highways, (U.S. Highways 218/18 and Iowa 14), and is now along the route of the Avenue of the Saints' (Iowa 27) four-lane freeway that provides a major access link between St. Paul, Minnesota and St. Louis, Missouri. This Avenue connects Charles City to Interstate 80, providing access to all parts of the United States via Interstate Freeway. 

Rail
An east-west rail road, the IC&E Railroad (Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad), and a north-south connection, the Canadian National/Illinois Central Line, provide freight service to Charles City and area Industrial Parks. Freight service is also available through the Soo Line, Cedar River Railroad and Iowa Terminal Railroad companies. A piggyback ramp is available locally, with daily switching service.

Airport
The Charles City Municipal Airport is located five minutes east of Charles City along U.S. Highway 18. It features a 4,000-foot hard surfaced runway, as well as two smaller grass runways, and is equipped with unicom radio, instrument landing system, VOR and non-directional beacon. Charter service is available. The Mason City Airport, which is located only 30 minutes from Charles City, is served commercially by Northwest Airline and United Express. The Waterloo/Cedar Falls Airport is located 45 minutes by car to the south, and features commercial service by United, American, Transworld and Northwest.

Trucking
Charles City is served by at least 19 motor freight carriers, of which three are interstate carriers. C.H. Wilson Transport, Inc., a transporter of bulk liquid, is based out of Charles City and is located at 2333 Old Highway Road.