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CHARLESTON, SC -- AUG. 5, 2019 -- S.C. Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome has been named a DC Velocity Logistics Rainmaker -- a prestigious accolade that recognizes logistics professionals whose achievements and contributions stand out in the industry.

Newsome is one of eight 2019 Logistics Rainmakers in the country, joining the ranks of some of the most notable and successful thought leaders and experts in the field. He was recognized for his impressive career in logistics, shipping and ports industries.

Newsome, who celebrates his 10-year anniversary as CEO of S.C. Ports Authority in September, is credited with transforming the Port of Charleston into a top 10 U.S. container port and achieving unprecedented cargo growth, including record-breaking volumes in fiscal year 2019.

During his time with S.C. Ports Authority, Newsome has overseen the opening of two inland port operations in South Carolina, modernization of the state's busiest container terminal in Mount Pleasant, ongoing construction of a new
container terminal in North Charleston and the continued work of deepening Charleston Harbor to 52 feet. By 2021, the Port of Charleston will have the deepest harbor on the East Coast.

"Global businesses, both import and export businesses, want to locate near capable ports," Newsome said in an interview with DC Velocity. "My vision of the Port is to be the preferred port among the top 10 U.S. containerports. We are doing this by providing required port infrastructure in time to handle both anticipated growth and the deployment of big containerships. We want to make sure our Port offers the highest possible reliability in terms of productivity and efficiency."

Newsome has also heralded a significant cultural shift within the 700-person maritime agency. He focused on cultivating a strong workforce and ensuring employees live by SCPA's values of safety and security, adaptability, business-minded thinking, customer-centric focus, decisiveness, enthusiasm and faith in one another.

SCPA was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

"I have had the good fortune to work for great enterprises that were experiencing significant challenges when I joined them -- you might say 'turnaround' situations," Newsome said in the DC Velocity interview. "Developing a committed team of people to successfully address those challenges is what I consider my greatest professional achievement and, along the way, playing the part in the professional development of many of those key people so they could fulfill their career aspirations."

Before joining SCPA, Newsome served as president of Hapag-Lloyd (America) Inc., which is part of the world's fifth-largest ocean shipping company. He also held leadership roles with Nedlloyd Lines and Strachan Shipping Co.

Newsome received a bachelor's degree in transportation and logistics in 1976 and a Master of Business Administration in transportation and logistics in 1977, both from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn. He was named the university's Outstanding Alumnus in Transportation and Logistics in 1992.

University of Tennessee professor Ted Stank said Newsome "defines the term 'rainmaker.'"

"Jim Newsome has overseen the most complete and thorough overhaul of an organization that I have ever seen," Stank said in Newsome's Rainmaker profile. "Key to this transformation has been Jim's vision of ports as a critical value node in the integrated end-to-end supply chain."

DC Velocity's editorial directors and advisory board review nominations and vote on nominees for the annual awards. Since 2003, DC Velocity has recognized more than 200 logistics and supply chain professionals as Rainmakers.

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.

CHARLESTON, SC -- JULY 17, 2019 -- South Carolina Ports Authority reports another successful year, handling record cargo volumes, rail moves and inland port activity in fiscal year 2019.

SCPA handled nearly 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) from July 2018 through June 30, an 8.8% increase in annual TEU container volume. SCPA moved 200,406 TEUs across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 112,988 pier containers in June for a total of 1.364 million pier containers annually, up 9.1%.

Inland Port Greer, now in its sixth year of operation, reported its busiest fiscal year yet with 143,204 rail moves in fiscal 2019, up nearly 22% from the prior year. Inland Port Greer reported 14,689 rail moves last month.

In its first full year of business, Inland Port Dillon handled around 30,000 rail moves in fiscal 2019.

SCPA's RapidRail program, which provides a seamless connection between rail yards and marine terminals, saw a record year with more than 330,000 rail moves in fiscal 2019. The port now handles 24% of containerized volumes by intermodal container rail the highest annual percentage in Port history.

"I am immensely proud of SCPA's historic achievements during fiscal year 2019. Our container business handled a record amount of cargo, our inland ports in Greer and Dillon both had strong growth year-over-year and our rail program moved more cargo than ever before," S.C. Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome said. "As we head into fiscal 2020, we will continue investing in our infrastructure to handle growth, as well as supporting our employees and the entire maritime community who make these significant achievements possible."

The Port handled 18,307 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in June for a total of 194,771 vehicles in fiscal 2019. Total breakbulk cargo was 625,323 pier tons for the fiscal year.

SCPA saw a total of 213,081 cruise passengers and 1,696 ships docked in fiscal 2019.

Notable quotes

"By setting another record for annual cargo volumes, the South Carolina Ports Authority has further established itself as one of our state's premier economic drivers. This unprecedented success and growth will continue as we work to complete the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which will increase capacity and ensure that Charleston has the deepest harbor on the East Coast by 2021." Gov. Henry McMaster

"South Carolina Ports Authority's record annual volumes secure the Port of Charleston as a top 10 U.S. container port, an important distinction as many S.C. industries rely on the Port to move their products to global markets. We continue to support investments in Port infrastructure, particularly securing funding for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, which is a strategic priority for South Carolina." Sen. Larry Grooms, chairman of the S.C. Senate Transportation Committee and the Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority

"The Port of Charleston relies on the talent, collaboration and dedication of SCPA employees and the broader maritime community to continually handle record cargo volumes year-over-year. We look ahead to many exciting initiatives in the coming year, including increasing capacity with further construction of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and securing additional funding to complete the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project." S.C. Ports Authority Chairman Bill Stern

Board votes

SCPA board unanimously approved today the purchase of 25 new hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes for the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal. The cranes will enable the Port of Charleston to handle the projected container volume growth over the next 25 years, as well as support operations at the new Leatherman terminal.

The SCPA board also unanimously approved the issuance of $400 million in revenue bonds to fund planned capital expenditures crucial for future growth of the Port.

Most of the funding will support the construction of the new Leatherman terminal, which is located along the Cooper River in North Charleston.

The first phase is set to come online in 2021 in conjunction with the completion of the Charleston Harbor deepening project setting the stage for the Port to handle more post-Panamax ships and increased cargo volumes.

At full buildout, the three-berth Leatherman terminal will double the Port's existing capacity.

The revenue bonds will also fund continued infrastructure upgrades and crane purchases at Wando Welch Terminal. The container terminal, located along the Wando River in Mount Pleasant, has undergone a three-year modernization effort to ready it to handle the influx of bigger containerships.

By the end of 2020, the Wando terminal will be able to handle three 14,000-TEU ships simultaneously.

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.

CHARLESTON, SC  JULY 9, 2019 - South Carolina Ports Authority handled record cargo volumes at the Port of Charleston in fiscal year 2019.

SCPA handled nearly 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) from July 2018 through June, an 8.8% increase in annual TEU container volume.

SCPA moved 200,406 TEUs across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 112,988 pier containers in June for a total of 1.36 million pier containers annually, up 9.1%.

Inland Port Greer, now in its sixth year of operation, reported its busiest fiscal year yet with 143,204 rail moves in fiscal 2019, up nearly 22% from the prior year. Inland Port Greer reported 14,689 rail moves last month.

In its first full year of business, Inland Port Dillon handled 29,580 rail moves in fiscal 2019.

"SCPA's container business had a record-setting fiscal year and our inland ports in Greer and Dillon continue to see record growth year-over-year," SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome said. "This accomplishment is the result of the entire South Carolina maritime community's dedication to providing a great product to our customers."

SCPA handled a total of 213,081 cruise passengers in fiscal 2019.

SCPA reported more than 330,000 rail moves in fiscal 2019 through its RapidRail program, which provides a seamless connection between rail yards and marine terminals. The port now handles 24% of containerized volumes by intermodal container rail -- the highest annual percentage in Port history.

The Port handled 18,307 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in June for a total of 194,771 vehicles in fiscal 2019.

"The Southeast remains the best place to be in the port business with a growing population to support imports and a strong manufacturing and automotive presence to boost exports," Newsome said. "While we expect more modest growth in fiscal 2020, we are optimistic about the future and continue to invest in our infrastructure."

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.

CHARLESTON, SC -- JULY 3, 2019 -- Little Miss Sunshine and South Craneolina have joined the ranks of South Carolina Ports Authority's cranes -- thanks to the creativity of two Greenville County elementary students.

Haven Ebel and Jack Sibley-Jones, both fifth graders at Blythe Academy of Languages in Greenville, won the Port's latest crane-naming contest for two new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes at Inland Port Greer.

Third through fifth grade students in Greenville County and Spartanburg County school districts submitted 552 name suggestions for the cranes. A team of SCPA employees reviewed the entries; the selection process is anonymous.

Ebel's Little Miss Sunshine and Sibley-Jones's South Craneolina submissions were selected. The students recently visited Inland Port Greer to see the names displayed on the cranes. They also earned $500 each for their school from SCPA.

"Our Name the Cranes contest engages students to think creatively and introduces them to Port operations and equipment," said Mike Stresemann, SCPA's senior director of crane and equipment maintenance. "It gives students an opportunity to impact port terminals in a real way."

Students from around the state have named dozens of RTG and ship-to-shore cranes at Port terminals over the years. Daddy Long Legs, Craneous Maximus, Cranebob Bluepants, Heavy Metal and Bluesaurus Rex are among the names adorning cranes used by crane operators.

"South Carolina Ports Authority strives to have an innovative and diverse workforce that thinks outside the box. Our Name the Cranes contest creates a connection between the Port of Charleston and South Carolina students, helping them to envision a career in the maritime industry," S.C. Ports Authority COO Barbara Melvin said. "We also really enjoy seeing the creative names that students suggest for our cranes."

The 85-foot-tall RTG cranes at Inland Port Greer move containers on and off trains and trucks at the terminal. Inland Port Greer, now in its sixth year of operation, extends the Port of Charleston's docks 212 miles inland with an overnight train service provided by Norfolk Southern.

Inland Port Greer can reach 90 million consumers within a 500-mile radius, or a one-day truck trip. The inland terminal handled its highest monthly container volume in May, with 15,563 rail moves. The facility has handled 128,515 rail moves from July 2018 through May, up 19.4% from the same time a year ago.

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.

CHARLESTON, SC - June 26, 2019 - South Carolina Ports Authority reported its strongest May on record, with 204,457 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last month.

Fiscal year-to-date TEU volume is up 9.7%, with 2,192,689 TEUs handled since the Port's fiscal year began in July.

"Our volumes have been strong this fiscal year compared to fiscal 2018, particularly with SCPA's container business, rail dray program and inland port operations," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We plan to continue this momentum as we wrap up fiscal year 2019 at the end of June, securing our place as a top 10 container port in the U.S. I am immensely proud of our team for handling record-breaking volumes amid global trade uncertainty."

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved a record 118,048 containers across the docks of the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals in May, surpassing the previous May record of 113,531 pier containers in 2018.

Fiscal year-to-date, pier container volume is up 10.2% with 1,251,247 boxes handled from July through May.

Inland Port Greer handled its highest monthly container volume last month, with 15,563 rail moves. The facility has handled 128,515 rail moves since July, up 19.4% from the same time a year ago. Inland Port Dillon saw continued growth with 2,578 rail moves in May, for total fiscal year-to-date volume of 27,001 rail moves.

In non-containerized cargo, the Port's breakbulk facilities in Charleston handled 64,461 pier tons in May, including 19,938 vehicles. The Port has handled 570,420 pier tons since the fiscal year began in July.

SCPA's RapidRail dray program, which provides a seamless connection between the marine terminals and rail yards, has significantly grown. The Port now handles nearly 25% of its volume by intermodal container rail, with 31,709 rail moves in May.

The Port also recently took delivery of five rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, which will further modernize operations and increase container yard capacity at Wando Welch Terminal. The Port has received 14 of the 24 new cranes ordered for the Wando terminal; the terminal currently has 52 RTGs overall.

"SCPA is on track to end fiscal year 2019 strong after achieving its busiest May in Port history," SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern said. "The continued growth is a testament to SCPA employees and the maritime community. SCPA is well positioned to execute on its capital expenditures that will better prepare the Port of Charleston for the influx of cargo and bigger containerships in the coming years."

Board approves new Human Resources SVP

SCPA announced that Beverly Cowart will become SCPA's Senior Vice President of Human Resources on July 1. Cowart has served as SCPA's Human Resources Director for the past two years.

Robert Mozdean plans to step down from this position at the end of the month to return to the Northeast with his family.

"Bob has done important work for the Port over the last several years and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors," Newsome said. "We now look forward to Beverly leading the human resources team. Her substantial experience will lend itself well to ensuring the Port remains one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina and to continually cultivating a talented workforce as we head into fiscal 2020."

Cowart has a decade of experience as an engineer, and more than two decades of experience in Human Resources. She most recently spent six years at MWV/Ingevity as manager of global learning and organizational development before joining the Port. Cowart earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in human resources from Charleston Southern University.

Applications open for Community Giving Program

The application process is now open for SCPA's Community Giving Program, which dedicates a portion of Port revenues to partnership projects that support local communities. Awards are available in three levels: $5,000, 2,500 and $1,000.

Applications must demonstrate a clear fit within one of the following focus areas: maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness and community outreach. The application process is open through 5 p.m. July 31. Apply here.

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.

CHARLESTON, SC - JUNE 24, 2019  - S.C. Ports Authority (SCPA) was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina.

The 14th annual awards program recognizes the best employers in the state, highlighting companies that benefit the state's economy, workforce and businesses. SCPA facilitates 187,200 statewide jobs and generates a $53 billion economic impact annually in South Carolina.

Seventy-five companies have been recognized overall in two categories for the 2019 awards. SCPA won an award in the category for companies with 250-plus employees.

Ranked companies will be highlighted at a reception on Aug. 1 in Columbia.

"I am proud the Port has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina, which is something we strive for every day," SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said. "Our employees contribute to a constantly evolving work environment, ensuring the Port of Charleston is the preferred choice for customers and surpassing 10 monthly cargo volume records in fiscal year 2019. Our employees make our success possible."

Newsome has championed a cultural shift at SCPA over the last several years, fostering more collaboration and communication to create a desirable work environment for employees and to ensure efficient operations at terminals.

SCPA's values-based culture focuses on safety, adaptability, business-minded thinking, customer-centric focus, decisiveness, enthusiasm and faith in one another.

The Port offers employees above-market pay and benefits, as well as on-site amenities at its new headquarters in Mount Pleasant, which sits adjacent to Wando Welch Terminal.

The four-story, modern office building provides employees a wellness center, fitness center, walking trail, standing desks and a cafe serving healthy, low-cost breakfast and lunch options.

Port employees can also partake in lunch-and-learns, weekly visits from a rolling farmers market, free physicals, on-site massages and family night at the Riverdogs baseball game.

"Our new office fosters collaboration, communication and creativity among employees. Our senior managers, terminal employees and office employees can now interact daily, whether they are brainstorming in a conference room or eating lunch together in The Galley," Newsome said. "Our focus on culture has created an environment where employees excel and business thrives."

The 'Best Places to Work in South Carolina' awards program was created by SC Biz News, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the 'Best Places to Work in South Carolina'. The first survey evaluates each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second survey measures the employee experience.

The combined scores determine the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group manages the survey process, analyzes the data and determines the final rankings.

Companies must be a for-profit business, nonprofit or government entity; located in South Carolina; have at least 15 S.C. employees and be in business for a minimum of one year to be considered for the award.

The Best Places to Work in South Carolina awards reception and dinner will be 5-8:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The rankings will be published in the August 2019 issue of SCBIZ magazine.

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.

JUNE 19, 2019 - South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) recognizes 25 delegates for completing the 2018-2019 Port Ambassador Program, which provides participants a deep understanding of the connection between the Port of Charleston and South Carolina's thriving business community.

The 10-month Port Ambassador Program immerses participants in port operations through educational sessions and tours of oceanside terminals, inland ports, cruise vessels and manufacturing operations around the state, showing firsthand the Port's $53 billion annual economic impact on the state.

The program also shows ambassadors how the maritime, transportation, port and manufacturing sectors intersect and spur economic development in South Carolina.

"This program introduced us to the bigger picture, which is that 1 in 11 jobs in South Carolina is tied to the Port," Port Ambassador Tiffany Santagati said.

The ambassadors celebrated their graduation June 6 aboard the new homeported Carnival Sunshine in Charleston Harbor.

Santagati, executive senior vice president of talent and culture at Southern First Bank in Greenville, said the ambassadors program gave her insight into the Port's statewide operations, emphasizing how many S.C. industries depend on the Port of Charleston to thrive.

"I have lived in South Carolina my entire life, and until I participated in the Port Ambassador Program, I did not fully understand the impact the Port makes on employment and the movement of goods throughout the state," Santagati said. "It was fascinating to see how it is all connected."

Port Ambassador Alex Fournil, owner and principal of Vista Insurance Group in Columbia, said the group's visit to BMW Manufacturing Co. and Inland Port Greer stands out as an example of the Port of Charleston's vital role in moving goods throughout the state to global markets.

"Hearing directly from BMW how important it is to have Inland Port Greer and how it gives them a competitive advantage was really amazing," Fournil said.

The Port Ambassador Program also creates a networking opportunity for ambassadors; participants live throughout South Carolina and come from a variety of industries and backgrounds.

"The Port Ambassador Program engages a diverse group of South Carolina leaders to learn from experts in the maritime industry and port-dependent businesses. It gives them an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Port's critical role in the state," said Jordi Yarborough, SCPA's senior vice president of external affairs. "Ambassadors also build relationships and create strong connections with other professionals they might not otherwise meet."

SCPA launched the Port Ambassador Program in 2016 to increase public awareness and understanding of SCPA's strategic plan and foster support for the Port's key statewide activities.

The Port Ambassador Class of 2019:
Ann Angermeier, Upstate Workforce Board, Spartanburg
John Brand III, Stifel Financial Corp., Florence
Van Cato, Office of Senator Lindsey Graham, Greenville
Andrew Cook, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Hilton Head Island
Christine Crawford, D&G Management, North Augusta
Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County, Moncks Corner
Suzanne Dickerson, SC Council on Competitiveness, Columbia
Alexander Fournil, Vista Insurance Group, Columbia
Jamey Goldin, Nelson Mullins, Columbia
Sara Hazzard, SC Manufacturers Alliance, Columbia
Angie Leidinger, Clemson University, Columbia
Thomas Lorenzo, Domtar, Fort Mill
Bill McCarthy, Charleston Gate Co., Charleston
Sunny Philips, SC Chamber of Commerce, Columbia,
Tony Pope, State Farm Insurance, Summerville
Buddy Pough, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg
Brian Rauschenbach, Sumter Economic Development and TheLINK Alliance, Sumter
Anne Smith Reid, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Charleston, Charleston
Tiffany Santagati, Southern First Bank, Greenville
Mark Schmidt, Intermodal Container Logistics - NA, Decatur, Ga.
Steve Sydow, Charleston
Tom Trouche, ServisFirst Bank, Charleston
Marlon Walters, Bank of America, Elgin
Tom Winslow, Goldfinch Winslow Attorneys at Law, Murrells Inlet
Jason Zacher, Upstate Chamber Coalition, Greenville

Participants are selected from nominations by the Review and Oversight Commission on the State Ports Authority, the SCPA Board of Directors and Senior Management Team. Each program is limited to 25 ambassadors.

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.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - June 12, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) officials celebrated the expansion of the Frontier Logistics local operations, with the groundbreaking of an approximately 550,000 square-foot warehousing facility, which will support the handling of plastic and resin exports from the Port of Charleston.

"Frontier plays an integral role in the handling of SCPA's plastics and resin business," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Charleston is the emerging pivot point for both export and import U.S. resin, and the Frontier Logistics expansion is a key component of the Port?s planned above-market volume growth."

With the Ports synthetic resin exports growing by 55 percent since 2011, demand for facilities has increased. Frontier's groundbreaking on 26 acres at the former Navy base will be a significant advantage for continued growth.

"This is an exciting day for Frontier Logistics as we celebrate the groundbreaking of our new facility," said George Cook, Frontier Logistics CEO. "It took the collective efforts of many to get this project to where it is today. We look forward to being positive stewards in the Charleston community, and to support the growing cargo needs for the Ports Authority."

Local entities and groups involved in the collective effort to make this facility a reality include the SCPA, Palmetto Railways, the City of North Charleston and community groups that include the Chicora-Cherokee Neighborhood Association; the South Carolina non-profit corporation Metanoia; the Reynolds Avenue Area Merchants Association; and the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities.

"Palmetto Railways is proud to have partnered with the Department of Commerce, the South Carolina Ports Authority, the City of North Charleston and Charleston County to bring a leader in the plastics and resin warehousing and distribution industry to North Charleston," said Jeffrey McWhorter, Palmetto Railways president and CEO. "Frontier Logistics will be a tremendous asset to both our port and to our community."

The new site will be rail-served by Palmetto Railways, which will connect it to Norfolk Southern and CSX routes.

Established in 1997, Frontier Logistics has operations in South Carolina and Texas.

Click here for a rendering of the facility.

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.

CHARLESTON, SC - June 11, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported its strongest May on record, with 204,457 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled last month.

Fiscal year-to-date TEU volume is up 9.7 percent, with 2,192,689 TEUs handled since the Port's fiscal year began in July.

"Our container volumes this fiscal year have been strong compared to FY2018," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We look forward to continuing this momentum as we wrap up FY2019 at the end of June."

As measured in pier containers, or boxes handled, SCPA moved a record 118,048 containers across the docks of its two container terminals in May, surpassing the previous May record of 113,531 pier containers in 2018. Fiscal year-to-date, pier container volume is up 10.2 percent with 1,251,247 boxes handled July through May.

Inland Port Greer handled its highest monthly container volume last month, with 15,563 rail moves. The facility has handled 128,515 rail moves since July.

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.

CHARLESTON, SC - MAY 9, 2019 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported 10.4 percent fiscal year-to-date container volume growth, with nearly 2 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled since July.

SCPA moved 204,621 TEUs across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month, a 4.2 percent increase compared to April 2018 volumes.

As measured by the total number of boxes handled, SCPA moved 116,443 pier containers in April for a total of 1.1 million containers fiscal year to date.

"April was strong for SCPA?s container business, supporting volumes well above planned levels with only two months remaining in the fiscal year," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "Our continued growth is testament to the commitment and skills of our employees and maritime community, and we look forward to a very positive FY2019 finish in June."

Both inland facilities reached near-record volumes in April. Inland Port Greer handled 13,724 rail moves, the second highest month in its history, for total fiscal year-to-date volume of 112,952 moves. Inland Port Dillon also achieved the second-best month in its history, with 3,411 rail moves. April marked the one-year anniversary of the opening of Inland Port Dillon, which has handled 24,423 rail moves since SCPA's fiscal year began.

In non-containerized cargo, the Port's breakbulk facilities in Charleston handled 65,778 pier tons in April, including 19,415 vehicles. The Port has handled 505,959 pier tons since the fiscal year began.

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.