CHARLESTON, SC - September 10, 2018 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced the highest monthly container volume in its history, with 206,541 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) handled in August.
August container traffic surpassed the Port's previous record of 201,163 TEUs achieved in June and marked a 16 percent jump from 177,728 TEUs handled in August 2017. SCPA's fiscal year container volumes are up 13 percent compared to the same period last year, with 407,135 TEUs moved since July 1.
"SCPA has experienced incredibly strong growth in 2018, with August marking the single best month in our history as well as the sixth consecutive record-setting month for container volumes," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "Fall is typically a seasonally strong time for our Port, and while we look forward to continued growth through 2018, we will continue to monitor the potential for tariff negotiations to adversely impact containerized trade if prolonged or not otherwise resolved successfully."
August was also the highest month in SCPA history for pier container volume, or total boxes moved. SCPA handled 117,037 pier containers at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals, with 231,334 containers moved fiscal year to date.
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, 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.