CHARLESTON, SC - October 19, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported year-over-year growth during the first quarter of its 2017 fiscal year.
SCPA handled 162,858 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September. First quarter TEU volumes were up 1.4 percent over the same period last year, with 520,276 TEUs crossing SCPA docks from July to September.
As measured in pier containers, or box volume, SCPA moved 91,784 containers in September. Fiscal year to date, SCPA has handled 293,275 boxes at its North Charleston and Wando Welch container terminals.
"Loaded container volume, particularly on the import side, supported SCPA's growth for the first quarter of the fiscal year," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "We also saw strong volumes on the breakbulk side of our business relative to plan, and Inland Port Greer achieved record volumes, providing a solid start to FY2017."
Non-containerized cargo volumes during the first quarter exceeded plan by 11.8 percent, with Charleston handling 217,533 breakbulk tons between July and September.
Rail volume at Inland Port Greer increased 18.6 percent during the first quarter, with 26,216 moves handled since July. In September the facility handled 9,521 rail moves, a record in monthly rail volume.
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer. In 2015 SCPA handled international commerce valued at more than $74 billion while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the 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.