Steady container volume, record rail moves for SC Ports in fiscal year 2025
The South Carolina Ports Authority says two massive new cranes have arrived at the port in Charleston. (Photo: Charleston County Parks/Twitter)
(WCIV) — Steady container volumes and record rail moves led to growth for South Carolina Ports in fiscal year 2025, despite the shifting trade landscape around the country.
2.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were handled by South Carolina’s maritime community in FY2025, marking a 3% increase from 2024, according to SC Ports. Much of those goods were moved via rail between the Port of Charleston and South Carolina’s two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon, good for a 4% increase during the same time frame.
SC Ports credited its “consistent” performance and “reliable port service for their supply chains” in helping shippers and carriers navigate the tricky modern trade landscape. Other helpful factors listed by SC Ports included Charleston’s deep harbor providing enough space for expedited logistics, terminals operating quickly, and fast truck turn times.
“South Carolina Ports and our maritime community operate a well-run port with quick access to the U.S. Southeast market, benefitting mega retailers, advanced manufacturers, refrigerated goods shippers, farmers and small businesses,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “Our customers know we deliver excellent port service and personalized solutions for their supply chains, which is especially needed now.”
Rail marks a considerable area of growth SC Ports is exploring this year. Inland Port Greer saw a 10% increase in rail moves in FY2025, breaking 200,000 moves in a 12-month period for the first time with 205,523 in total. Dillon saw over 33,000.
