South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has reported that Inland Ports Greer and Dillon handled a record amount of containers in 2023.
Inland Port Greer reportedly transported 175,873 containers onto and off trains in the Upstate last year, a 26 per cent increase over the previous year.
Inland Port Dillon transported 43,266 containers onto and off trains in the Pee Dee last year, a 55 per cent increase over the previous year.
The expansion of South Carolina’s two rail-served inland ports has brought the percentage of containers hauled inland by rail back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the port authority, with 23 per cent of total marine containers going by rail in calendar year 2023.
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SC Ports President and CEO, Barbara Melvin, said: “We are proactively investing in our rail infrastructure to support our customers’ growth. The ongoing expansion of Inland Port Greer will double its cargo capacity, and the future Navy Base Intermodal Facility will provide near-dock rail to the Port of Charleston.
“When that facility opens in July 2025, both CSX and Norfolk Southern will quickly transport goods to and from our inland ports and onto inland markets throughout the Southeast and beyond.”
SC Ports handled approximately 2.5 million TEU and 1.37 million pier containers in calendar year 2023, down 11 per cent from the previous year but in line with 2019 levels.
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SC Ports attributes the growth in container volumes to higher interest rates and inflation, dampening consumer spending and reducing imports to the US, particularly when contrasted to the retail boom during the pandemic.
Melvin added: “The Southeast remains a bright spot with new investments, business expansions and population growth — all of which demands a reliable supply chain partner. South Carolina Ports serves as a powerful gateway to the US Southeast. As an operating port, we provide customised solutions and excellent service to our customers.”
