Local residents often refer to the area as The Unifour, although this name is largely unknown outside of the region.

The U.S. Census Bureau includes the Unifour in the larger Charlotte-Concord, NC Combined Statistical Area.

The Hickory region is served by Interstate 40 which passes through the center of Catawba and Burke counties.

Other important US highways in the region include: US 70 (east to Morehead City, west to Asheville), and US 321 (through Catawba and Caldwell Counties).

This is largely due to the areas strong manufacturing based economy, and its placement along the Norfolk Southern Railway line.