CHARLESTON, SC - APRIL 4, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) announced the strongest March in its history and more than 11 percent fiscal year-over-year growth.
SCPA moved 214,123 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) last month, making it the second highest month in SCPA history. The Port handled its highest monthly record in October 2018, with 217,035 TEUs moved across the docks.
"The record volumes achieved last month reflect a very positive end to our third quarter of the fiscal year," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "SCPA also saw the highest month of export loads since the fiscal year began in July 2018, with 42,524 export loads handled. The Port is well-positioned as it heads into the fourth quarter."
March was also the second highest month in the Port?s history for pier container volume, or total boxes moved. SCPA handled 120,717 pier containers, increasing fiscal year-to-date volumes to 1,016,756 containers. Last month's record-breaking volumes marked a nearly 12 percent fiscal year-over-year growth.
Inland Port Greer set a new monthly record, with 14,522 rail lifts in March. The previous record of 13,060 rail lifts was handled in June 2017. The Greer facility also handled a record number of gate moves, with 22,020 transactions last month, while the average truck turn time dropped by one minute to 12.3 minutes.
"Achieving this type of growth requires cooperation and dedication by our talented staff as well as many others in the maritime community," said Bill Stern, Board Chairman, SCPA. "We appreciate everyone who plays a role in our productive and successful port operations."
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.