South Carolina Ports Mark Double-Digit Volume Surge

South Carolina’s ports recorded another month of double-digit growth, with volumes in November up 13 percent compared to the same month last year, South Carolina Ports Authority reports.  

SCPA handled 144,218 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in November, an increase of 8 percent over the same month last year. Fiscal year to date TEU volumes are 11 percent ahead of plan, with 777,566 TEUs handled since July.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA handled 82,466 boxes last month, an increase of 10 percent over November 2013 volumes. Fiscal year to date, pier container volume is up 14 percent year over year.

Non-containerized cargo volumes also saw strong gains in November. Charleston handled 61,114 pier tons last month, bringing fiscal year-to-date tonnage totals ahead of plan by nearly 5 percent. Georgetown handled 48,917 tons in November, pushing tonnage nearly 29 percent higher than fiscal year plans.

The Inland Port handled 3,972 rail moves in November. With 21,686 lifts completed fiscal year to date, the facility is 47 percent ahead of plan.

“As measured year over year, our monthly pier container volume has seen nine consecutive months of double-digit growth,” said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. “This broad-based growth reflects strength of both imports and exports, although we will likely see volumes settle over the next few months.”

In action items, the SCPA Board approved USD 1.56 million in wharf repairs and improvements to the North Charleston Terminal in preparation for the transfer of three Morris cranes from the Wando Welch Terminal.