South Carolina Ports is experiencing significant cargo growth due to highly efficient port operations and a strategic location in the dynamic Southeast region.
In July, SC Ports saw an 8% increase in container volumes compared to the previous year, driven by the onset of peak season and a growing regional population, which boosted loaded imports by 6%.
“The South Carolina market is ripe for companies to put new investment in the ground and benefit from direct access to our world-class port system,” commented Barbara Melvin, SC Ports President and CEO.
She added, “We deliver reliable port service, a strong intermodal network and future capacity to support growth.”
Last month, SC Ports and its maritime partners successfully handled 224,407 TEUs and 124,448 pier containers at the Port of Charleston.
This was the second-highest July performance ever for SC Ports, following the record set in July 2021 during the pandemic-driven import surge.
Both rail-served inland ports also reported impressive cargo growth. Together, they managed 21,013 rail moves in July, a 19% rise from the previous year.
Furthermore, Inland Port Greer achieved a record-breaking July, moving 17,332 containers, marking a 17% increase year-over-year.
Inland Port Dillon also set a new record in July with 3,681 rail moves, up 26% from last year.
In contrast, SC Ports handled 10,814 vehicles in July, a decline from the previous year due to the typically slower nature of this segment during the month. SC Ports continues to support global automakers’ supply chains by importing parts and exporting finished vehicles for companies such as BMW Manufacturing Co., Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Volvo Cars.
“The team at South Carolina Ports works in tandem with many maritime and logistics partners every day to efficiently move goods in support of our customers. It takes all of us working together to keep the supply chain fluid for the U.S. East Coast port market,” explained Melvin.
