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Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston closed 2010 with nearly 17 percent increase in container volume, capping a year marked by new shipping services, statewide business initiatives and the arrival of the biggest ships on the East Coast.

December marked the twelfth consecutive month of year-over-year growth for the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), according to results released at today's regular SCSPA Board meeting. Charleston's container volume in December totaled 62,405 pier containers, up 9.7 percent from the same month in 2009 (56,877 pier containers). Container volume was up 16.9 percent for the calendar year, with 793,090 containers handled in 2010 versus 678,715 pier containers in 2009.

"While we have tempered expectations on near-term volume growth, South Carolina's ports are positioned to continue the upward trend in 2011," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA.

Breakbulk tonnage at the ports of Charleston and Georgetown was up 27 percent for the calendar year, with 876,852 pier tons handled at the two ports in 2010. Non-containerized cargo is up 36.5 percent for the first six months of the fiscal year.

The SCSPA welcomed several new shipping services during 2010, including MSC's Golden Gate Service, CSAV's AMEX service, Hoegh Autoliners' Middle East service a new breakbulk service with Liberty Global Logistics.

Ocean carriers continue to take advantage of Charleston's deep water. In December, the SCSPA welcomed its 300th post-Panamax ship to Charleston and has handled 35 calls of ships of 8,000-TEU capacity or greater. Approximately 80 percent of the container ships on order are post-Panamax and, by end 2013, 50 percent of the capacity in operation will be post-Panamax, according to published reports.

"This underscores the need for deepwater harbors such as Charleston ahead of the opening of the expanded Panama Canal locks in 2014," said Newsome.

Several new business initiatives are helping to drive volume across the docks. This year, the South Carolina Department of Transportation approved an increased overweight permit for cargo traveling in both refrigerated and dry shipping containers. Under the new permit, trucks of up to 100,000 pounds gross vehicle weight may travel on South Carolina roadways, aiding in the transport of traditionally heavy export goods. Additionally, the SCSPA launched a new marketing effort targeting transload cargo like cotton and forest products at local rail-served warehouses.

While currently enjoying the deepest water in the Southeast, the SCSPA continues to pursue federal funding for the next harbor deepening project to take Charleston's channels even deeper. This summer the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined a federal interest in the project and noted that Charleston is likely the least expensive port in the region to reach 50 feet.

In addition to a new terminal operating system that will be implemented in the coming months, the SCSPA is streamlining its container operations by moving to a single-gate operating system effective Tuesday.The changes will bring numerous benefits to port users, including uniform processes and operations across all container terminals, extended gate hours and access to the SCSPA's information systems for all port customers, all while boosting capacity by about 10 percent.

About the South Carolina State Ports Authority
The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $62 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) today welcomed The Scoular Company’s newest operation to the Port of Charleston. The company has established a grain handling facility in Charleston and could export more than 25 million pounds of product annually.

The operation provides new opportunities for exporting South Carolina products, while at the same time generating new business and supporting jobs across the port community.

With the new operation, grain from farms across the region will be trucked to the Wando Welch Terminal and loaded into ocean shipping containers for the overseas voyage to countries in Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. Products such as soybean, winter wheat and corn are increasingly moving in international shipping containers.

“Moving products grown in South Carolina efficiently from field to ship to market is a huge competitive advantage,” said Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of the S.C. Department of Agriculture. “Our ports are vital to the state’s agricultural industries, and opening new markets to our products is great for the economy.”

“This operation will serve increasing export demand and generate significant new business through the port,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. “We’re proud that The Scoular Company, a leading agricultural marketing company, has expanded its presence in Charleston.”

“The Scoular Company is using this new transload operation in Charleston to provide grain producers in the region higher prices based on improved access to international markets,” said John Gill, The Scoular Company’s Senior Merchant for Southeastern Markets. “The Port of Charleston offers a wide array of ocean carrier services to markets across the globe, and the SCSPA’s team was very aggressive and solutions-oriented in working with us.”

“Scoular is a world-class operation that will complement our existing services and allow us to build on the Port of Charleston’s deepwater advantage,” said Paul McClintock, the SCSPA’s senior vice president and chief commercial officer.

Charleston has the region’s deepest shipping channels, with vessels sailing at actual drafts of up to 48 feet on the tides. Deep channels are important because the Southeast’s leading exports - such as grain, paper and poultry - are heavy products that push ships down deeper in the water. As ocean carriers increasingly use bigger ships, they require deeper channels to realize the economic benefits of these larger vessels. Today, four post-Panamax ships a week call the Port of Charleston.

The SCSPA has a number of specific cargo initiatives to increase business through South Carolina ports, including this new transload operation, a new 100,000-lb. overweight permit and local rail transload operations. Charleston container volume is up 17.5 percent through the first 11 months of 2010.

About the SCSPA: The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at nearly $45 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy.  An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and $44.8 billion in economic activity each year.  For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston’s container volume increased more than 14 percent in November, the 11th consecutive month of growth.

Charleston’s container volume in November totaled 65,251 pier containers, up 14.4 percent from the same month in 2009 (57,039 pier containers). Through the first 11 months of 2010, Charleston container volume is up 17.5 percent. Container volume over the past five months was up 15.9 percent.

“A recovering economy and new ocean carrier services boosted our business,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). “As we predicted, volume is softening from previous months as we reach the end of the peak season. But Charleston has a number of specific cargo initiatives, such as the new 100,000-lb. overweight permit for containerized freight in South Carolina, which will bear fruit moving ahead.”

A new, weekly North Europe joint service of CMA CGM and CSAV commenced in Charleston on November 1, while the South Carolina Department of Transportation increased overweight permit limits to 100,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight for containerized goods.

Non-containerized cargo in November was double the budgeted projection, due to triple-digit percentage increases in breakbulk cargo. Total breakbulk volume in November was 128,386 tons. South Carolina’s breakbulk pier tonnage is up 18 percent year-over-year from January to November and 19 percent for the first five months of the fiscal year.

Operational changes coming down the pike will allow the SCSPA to better serve its diverse business segments. In early 2011, the SCSPA will shift roll-on/roll-off operations to Columbus Street Terminal, where a $20-million improvement project is nearing completion to greatly enhance auto carrier operations in Charleston.

This move will allow the SCSPA to commence the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal, beginning with a new cruise terminal at the northern end of the facility. A request for proposals for the design of the cruise terminal was released last week, and the terminal will be completed in 2012.

In addition, the SCSPA continues to pursue federal funding for the next phase of Charleston’s post-45 foot harbor deepening project. A U.S. Corps of Engineers study found that Charleston is likely the least expensive port in the region to reach 50 feet.

Charleston, SC - Continuing its efforts to reduce port-related air emissions, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has completed the first truck survey in the Southeast and is collaborating on a regional program aimed at helping truck owners replace the oldest trucks.

The truck survey, which was compiled by Wilbur Smith Associates, represents the first comprehensive look at trucks serving a major port in the region.

The survey examined fleet age and trip frequency for trucks working in the Port of Charleston, with emphasis on quantifying the population of the oldest trucks - those with engine model years 1993 and older.

The survey revealed that a relatively small number of trucks - the true local drayage fleet - do most of the work in the port.

Of the nearly 13,000 individual trucks that visited the port’s terminals during a 12-month period, 20 percent of the trucks moved about 90 percent of the cargo. Of the trucks that visited the port at least 52 times a year, about 10 percent (or 262 trucks) were pre-1994 model year trucks.

To reduce emissions and assist truck drivers in replacing their pre-1994 trucks with newer, more efficient rigs, the SCSPA is collaborating with the Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on a program that would cover ports across the region.

“Both the Coalition for Responsible Transportation and the Environmental Defense Fund have had great success working with ports on truck programs that make economic and environmental sense for our industry,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA.  “We’ve been pleased to collaborate with them and we look forward to formulating a voluntary, regional approach.”

The multi-dimensional program, which could be implemented as soon as next year through a mix of public and private funding, could involve one or more of the following elements:

The right kind of truck replacement program is good for the environment and for the truck owner as well.  Newer trucks increase the owner’s productivity and profitability by reducing maintenance and fuel consumption.

Importantly, the program would help make upgraded equipment attainable and financially viable for all truck owners, both companies and independent owner-operators.

“Local truckers are a vital component of the maritime transportation industry,” said Newsome. “It is essential that we have a healthy, profitable local drayage fleet.  This program will provide a means to upgrade equipment, cut operating costs, while realizing environmental benefits for the Charleston area.”

“Trucking represents an essential part of commerce,” said James Jack, executive director of CRT, a national coalition of leading cargo owners, trucking companies, ocean carriers and clean truck manufacturers. “Our goal is to engage stakeholders from the public and the private sector to work together to reduce diesel pollution at our ports. The Port of Charleston demonstrated its leadership early on in the process and will be instrumental to the program’s overall success.”

“Collaboration among groups creates solutions that mean real strides in reducing pollutants in our communities,” said Dr. Elena Craft of EDF, a national environmental non-profit that partners with business, governments and communities to find practical environmental solutions. “The SCSPA’s efforts are encouraging, and we look forward to working with the Port of Charleston on this endeavor.”

The truck program will continue the SCSPA’s successful collaboration with the local transportation industry on environmental projects. In two Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant rounds, the SCSPA developed more than $5.2 million in programs to cut emissions and fuel consumption.  These projects installed cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines in port equipment (such as cranes and harbor craft) and helped trucking companies and owner-operators upgrade more than 110 trucks, improving fuel utilization while reducing air emissions.

The SCSPA’s “Pledge for Growth” environmental program has been recognized for its environmental leadership by numerous organizations from within and outside the industry, including the EPA, the American Association of Port Authorities, Inbound Logistics magazine and the Maritime Association of South Carolina.

The truck survey is available here.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - December 13, 2010 - The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina State Ports Authority today announced that Regal Logistics, a third party logistics company, will establish its new distribution center in Berkeley County. The multi-million dollar investment is expected to generate 30 new full-time jobs, and 50 to 100 seasonal jobs.

“Regal's expansion in Charleston is in direct response to manufacturers, importers and exporters’ demand for an ideal east coast ship point to satisfy major retailers like Walmart,” said Regal Logistics Vice President Garry Neeves. “We’re confident that Regal's facility will attract new business to the area in the form of manufacturers and importers shipping product through the Port of Charleston for distribution to major retailers in the East. In fact, it already has," continued Neeves.  “Our new warehouse in the U.S. Southeast compliments our Pacific Northwest distribution center operation and brings not only the benefits of bicoastal distribution?fuel savings, e-commerce shipping, reduced transit time, and advantages of the expanded Panama Canal route?but also Port of Charleston pier efficiency and deep water passage.”

Regal Logistics’ new distribution center in Berkeley County at 1980 Technology Road in a 351,000-square-foot existing building is open for business and designed for high-volume, quick-turnaround, retail-compliant shipping. A modern tilt-up concrete panel facility, it's centrally located three miles from I-526, four miles from Port of Charleston’s main Wando Welch Terminal, and offers foreign trade zone and drayage zone status for less expensive container transportation to ports.

“The Port of Charleston is fundamental driver in advancing economic development in South Carolina and today’s announcement is another sign that Commerce’s partnership with the Ports Authority under Jim Newsome’s leadership continues to pay dividends. Regal Logistics’ investment in our state is also further evidence that the port, along with our exceptional market access, business-friendly climate and reliable workforce are working to attract new jobs and investments here. We welcome Regal Logistics to South Carolina and look forward to a long mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

Regal provides distribution, pick & pack, export/import shipping, consolidation, cross docking, transloading, drop shipping, administrative support and value added services at its new facility, which is fully equipped with the latest information technologies including WMS, EDI, ASN, RFID and real time inventory and shipment dashboard.  Companies interested in securing warehouse space should call 866-300-5580. 

“The Port of Charleston leads in delivering high-performance, low-risk and cost-effective port solutions,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. “We join the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Berkeley County in welcoming Regal's expansion of operations in Charleston.  Port business - as well as jobs and investment - will continue to grow as new port-dependent uses locate in this area and across South Carolina.”

The Port of Charleston is the deepest port in the Southeast and one of the busiest ports among ports located in the Southeast and Gulf coasts. The Charleston Customs district ranks as the nation’s eighth largest in dollar value of international shipments, with more than $62 billion in cargo annually. South Carolina boasts more than 470 warehousing and distribution centers across the state, and these centers employ more than 34,000 individuals in the state.

Regal Logistics will begin hiring for warehousing and administrative positions next year, with an average wage range from $11 to $18 per hour. Qualified candidates should email their resumes to HR@regallogistics.com.

Powered by more than 40 years of experience as a leading third party logistics provider, Regal Logistics specializes in high volume, mass retailer distribution. It offers a comprehensive program of dedicated and shared warehousing, distribution and transportation services?including import deconsolidation and cross docking?and value added, reverse logistics and product recall services.  With more than 1.3 million square feet of high velocity Distribution Center in the Pacific Northwest and the U.S. Southeast, Regal Logistics offers a superior way to accelerate product to market, while reducing costs, with better access to important markets throughout the world.  Regal distributes customer product to major retailers including Walmart, for which Regal is an authorized trailer pool facility, Target, Kmart/Sears, JCPenney, Kohl’s and Toys“R”Us. For more information about the company, please visit www.regallogistics.com.

"Both of these recipients represent eclectic careers in international trade and transport, embracing several modes. Both Connie events were very special dinners honoring CII's half-century anniversary of providing education, information and networking to every sector involved in our business," said Allen Clifford, CII President.

The Newark Club event was in addition to the Connie Awards on September 30 presented in Long Beach, Calif., honoring Ronald Widdows and Jon Hemingway. The recipients were honored for their significant influence in containerization in worldwide trade and transportation, according to Mr. Clifford.

A special Founders Award was also presented to the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), recognizing that the founding organizations of CII were the then-fledgling container leasing companies. Steven Blust, IICL President, and Warren Serenbetz, a founding member a half-century ago, accepted the award.

Fifteen students from four New York and New Jersey-based colleges were also presented with a total of more than $90,000 in scholarships donated by industry businesses committed to ensuring the success in the future of logistics and supply chain management.

In accepting his award, Mr. Bruner noted: "Globalization and global commerce is driving the world economy today; however, our industry needs to do a better job educating the stakeholders, especially the consumer on the value that our industry creates. Because the system that was created five decades ago is so efficient, most of the consumers have little understanding how important our industry is to the health of the U.S. economy."  He added, "I believe that organizations such as the Containerization & Intermodal Institute play an important role in this."

Russ Bruner was appointed Chairman, Maersk Inc., the world's largest container carrier, in January 2010. He was named Executive Vice President of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group in 2006 and assumed the position of President & CEO, Maersk Inc. in September 2004. In June of 2001, Mr. Bruner was named Senior Vice President of Maersk Inc. responsible for managing Maersk's liner services to and from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Mr. Bruner joined Maersk Inc. in 1989.

Jim Newsome said in his acceptance remarks: "Container shipping is an amazing industry. From a humble start in 1956, it has grown to be the backbone of world trade, with the movement of over 150 million TEUs of cargo today. Shipping was a global business long before it was fashionable to brag about being a global business." He continued, "There would be no globalization, no off-shoring of manufacturing, and no economic progress without it. We should all remember this--- it is an absolutely strategic industry, which we all too often approach way too tactically."

Jim Newsome became President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority in September 2009. He was previously President of Hapag-Lloyd (America), Inc., which is part of the world's fifth-largest ocean shipping company, where he was responsible for all activities in North America and Latin America. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Area Southeast, based in Atlanta, Ga., for 12 years. Prior to joining Hapag-Lloyd in 1997, Mr. Newsome was with Nedlloyd Lines from 1987 to 1997. He was Executive Vice President of the Americas for Nedlloyd Lines and President of Nedlloyd Lines (USA) Corporation.