SIMIC

SOUTH CAROLINA Ports' rail-linked inland ports are doing well with Inland Port Greer having handled more cargo than ever before in October.

The team at Inland Port Greer loaded and unloaded 17,000 containers filled with goods last month, which is a 42 per cent increase from last October. Inland Port Dillon also had a strong month, handling 3,148 containers in October, up 31 per cent from last year.



South Carolina's two rail-served inland ports ensure goods flow to and from the Port of Charleston. Customers benefit from supply chain efficiencies and reduced emissions by moving more cargo by rail, SC Ports said in a statement.



SC Ports is currently expanding Inland Port Greer to double its cargo capacity and increase rail capabilities.



"The bustling logistics hub moves cargo 24/7 for many advanced manufacturers, tyre producers, apparel companies and major retailers," president and CEO, Barbara Melvin said. "This growth demanded an expansion to meet our customers' needs."



The new, rail-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which is currently under construction in North Charleston, will feed more cargo to the inland ports. Both CSX and Norfolk Southern will serve this near-port intermodal yard when it opens in 2025.



"As companies expand their operations and invest in new facilities in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast, SC Ports is investing in critical port infrastructure to support this growth," Ms Melvin said.



Overall, SC Ports handled 235,006 TEU and 129,171 pier containers in October. Container volumes are down about nine per cent year on year, with empty volumes driving the decline. Loaded import and export TEU were down 1 per cent, while empties were down 27 per cent.



Although the trends of a tempered global economy and overstocking continue, October showed a little relief with loaded TEU near October 2022 highs.



October also showed signs of strength and optimism with SC Ports celebrating its highest monthly container volume ever at Wando Welch Terminal with 116,745 pier containers in October, surpassing the previous record set in March 2021.



"The Southeast continues to be a thriving market where people and businesses want to locate," said SC Ports' chief commercial officer Byron Miller. "South Carolina Ports is well-positioned through strategic investments to support this growth. We are a powerful alternative gateway on the US east coast for shippers wanting a reliable supply chain partner and access to a booming market."