South Carolina ports see big cargo growth

South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) reported a significant increase in cargo volumes, with container throughput up 8% in July from a year earlier. The surge in cargo volumes was driven by a population boom and the start of the peak season in the region, with imports up 6%.

See also: South Carolina ports boost Midlands economy, $22.3 billion impact

Barbara Melvin, president and CEO of South Carolina Ports, highlighted the region’s attractiveness for new investment, noting the port’s reliable service, strong intermodal network and capacity for future growth as key factors.

In July, South Carolina ports efficiently moved 224,407 TEUs and 124,448 dockside containers, the second-highest July volume on record, behind only the record set in July 2021 during the pandemic-induced import boom.

Inland ports by rail also saw impressive growth, with 21,013 containers moved by rail in July, up 19% from the same period last year. Greer Inland Port set a new record with 17,332 containers moved, up 17% year-over-year, while Dillon Inland Port saw a 26% increase, handling 3,681 containers by rail.

Although vehicle handling was down year-over-year in July, with 10,814 vehicles handled, this was normal for the month. South Carolina Ports continues to support global automakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo Cars by managing the import of parts and the export of finished vehicles.

Melvin stressed the importance of collaboration between the maritime and logistics communities to maintain supply chain fluidity in the U.S. East Coast port market.