SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS HAS RECORD JANUARY FOR CONTAINERS

South Carolina Ports had a record January for containers handled at the Port of Charleston, following an unprecedented amount of cargo handled in 2021.

In a statement, it said SC Ports handled 226,515 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in January, up 4.7% year-over-year.

SC Ports has handled more than 1.64 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through January, up nearly 15% fiscal year-over-year.

SC Ports noted that it handled 125,452 pier containers – which accounts for containers of any size – in January, up 3.5% from a year ago. The Port has also handled 913,321 pier containers thus far in fiscal year 2022, up nearly 15% fiscal year-over-year.

January marked the 11th consecutive month of monthly year-over-year container records.

"The global supply chain continues to see great strain from handling unprecedented amounts of cargo," said Jim Newsome, South Carolina Ports CEO. "With record throughput volumes, we are experiencing a record number of import containers on our terminals awaiting delivery. South Carolina Ports invested strategically in port infrastructure, and we are deploying creative solutions to ensure fluidity for our customers."

SC Ports handled 117,181 loaded imports in January, up nearly 23% year-over-year as retail imports continue to drive the sustained cargo growth as consumers buy more retail goods.

Inland Port Greer reported 9,301 rail moves in January, while Inland Port Dillon reported 1,942 rail moves last month. Combined, the inland ports have handled 101,913 rail moves thus far in fiscal year 2022.

Meanwhile, it said vehicle volumes are up nearly 16% year-over-year, with 14,172 vehicles handled at Columbus Street Terminal in January.

Chassis for SMART Chassis Pool

SC Ports added that it has also received its first shipment of more than 700 chassis in January, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the SC Ports-owned and operated SMART chassis fleet.

South Carolina Ports will continue receiving chassis equipment throughout 2022 as the Port builds its fleet leading up to the full launch of the SMART chassis pool in April 2023.