S.C. ports record best December in history

In spite of worldwide supply chain challenges, the Port of Charleston wrapped up 2020 with its strongest December in history, S.C. Ports Authority said in a news release.

The largest increase was in vehicle volumes, which were up 29.2% from last year. The total of 21,228 vehicles moved across the docks of the Columbus Street Terminal in December set a monthly vehicle record for the ports.

To date for fiscal year 2021, the SCPA has moved 135,747 vehicles, up 17.42% year-over-year, and handled 1.2 million 20-foot equivalent container units as it continues to see months of steady growth.

For December, TEU totals were up 11.6% with 209,606 handled at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals.

“I am immensely proud of our port employees and all those working in the maritime and logistics community for showing up every day during a pandemic to keep supply chains fluid,” S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. “Their dedication ensures that food products, medical supplies, manufacturing parts and retail goods are efficiently delivered. We are grateful to them, and we look forward to a brighter 2021.”

Continuing the port’s steady growth, pier container volumes — cargo boxes of any size — were up 10.3% year-over-year in December with the SCPA moving 116,685. Loaded imports and exports also increased with imports rising 14.4% and exports up 8.6%.

Additionally, SCPA’s two rail-served inland ports handled a combined 16,463 rail moves, with Inland Port Greer seeing its highest December in history at 13,523 rail moves — a 26% increase year-over-year. Inland Port Dillon saw a 2.9% decrease with 2,940 total rail moves for the month, but that comes off a record November that logged an overall increase of 28% year-over-year.