Inland Port Greer Archives - SC Ports Authority

SCPA Container Volume Climbs Nearly Four Percent

GAFFNEY, SC - April 20, 2016 -?Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported a 3.8 percent increase in twenty foot-equivalent unit (TEU) volume fiscal year to date, with 1.45 million TEUs handled since the period began in July.

March was a solid finish to the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, with 170,740 TEUs moved last month. From a calendar year to date perspective, year-over-year container volume was fairly flat through March, with 473,794 TEUs handled.

As measured in pier containers, or total box volume, SCPA handled 96,123 containers in March. Fiscal year to date, SCPA has moved 817,933 containers across the docks of its Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals.

"March volumes reflect the modest uptick we expected going into the spring, which is traditionally a seasonally strong time for SCPA," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.

Charleston's non-containerized freight volumes through March exceeded fiscal year plans by 32 percent. Charleston moved 80,891 tons last month, with 671,545 pier tons handled fiscal year to date.

Vehicles remain a strong segment within the breakbulk business segment, and SCPA handled 25,839 vehicles in March. Fiscal year to date, finished vehicle volume is up 13 percent compared to the previous year.

Inland Port Greer handled 8,821 rail moves in March, achieving consecutive months of record-breaking volume. Fiscal year to date moves are up 66 percent, with 67,032 lifts since July.

Board Action

The Board adopted a resolution directing SCPA to move forward with a contract for the sale of its main office at 176 Concord Street in Charleston. SCPA accepted bids for the property from February 1 through April 15. Pending receipt of the additional earnest money required by the buyer, a 120-day due diligence period will begin. Details about the property and sales process are available at www.176concordstreet.com.

Local Students Name Inland Port Greer Cranes

Two Greer elementary students earned $500 from SCPA for their schools, thanks to their winning entries in a Port contest to name cranes at the Inland Port Greer.

The Port partnered with five elementary schools, including Buena Vista, Chandler Creek, Crestview, Skyland and Woodland, for the contest during the month of February. Third through fifth grade students submitted names for two rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), which move loaded containers on and off trains, trucks and throughout the container yard. Over 140 student entries were received.

A team of SCPA employees selected the following two entries, which have been painted onto the RTG cranes: Cranefu Panda, submitted by Crestview Elementary School third grade student Emily Salvato, and Carolina Crane, submitted by Chandler Creek Elementary School fifth grader Abigail Stefanacci.

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, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually 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.

SC Ports Authority Announces Plans for Second Inland Port Facility

GREER, SC -- April 20, 2016 -- Today South Carolina Ports Authority announced plans to pursue a second inland port facility, driven by tremendous success of Inland Port Greer and demand for enhanced efficiency of international container movements between the Port of Charleston and growing markets in South Carolina and North Carolina.

"Inland Port Greer is one of SCPA's most successful investments, as the growth of intermodal container volume movement in our state and region requires appropriate facilities in the interior to ground loaded and empty containers and to leverage the efficiency and sustainability of rail transportation," SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome said. "If it is feasible, an additional inland port will be a great diversification of our logistics footprint. We believe that building intermodal infrastructure in our state goes hand-in-hand with the significant investments we are making to our port facilities in Charleston. This is an exciting opportunity for SCPA."

Approximately 23 percent of containers imported or exported through Charleston last year moved by rail, with nearly 260,000 international intermodal rail lifts handled in 2015. Intermodal volume has seen staggering growth of 166 percent since 2011, driving increased demand for additional inland port facilities.
"While our discussions are preliminary, the success of Inland Port Greer demonstrates the market demand for additional intermodal hubs to support growing volumes of cargo moving to and from Charleston by rail," Newsome said. "We are working with CSX to determine the viability of Dillon, South Carolina as the location for our next inland port and hope to finalize our plans by the end of the year."

The Dillon site under SCPA consideration offers access to an existing CSX mainline, which opens a different intermodal marketplace from Inland Port Greer and provides access to Southeastern markets as well as the Midwest. Proximity to I-95, a critical transportation artery in the Southeast, is an important benefit of the location as well as current port users in the area, which represent significant base cargo opportunities for the facility.

"A second inland port in South Carolina would expand transportation options in the state, lowering shipping costs for South Carolina businesses and improving competitiveness," said Dean Piacente, CSX Vice President, Intermodal. "This project would also generate substantial public benefits by creating jobs, spurring economic development and reducing traffic congestion on I-26 and I-95."

The facility design and footprint, costs, and construction timeline are being studied by Hamburg Port Consultants (HPC). SCPA is pursuing federal infrastructure funding assistance through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program to supplement the capital investment required for the project.

"According to a recent economic impact study, port-related jobs pay 40 percent higher than the statewide average," said T.F. Finklea, Dillon County Council Chairman. "We are excited about the possibility for Dillon to be the site of the next Inland Port and look forward to partnering with the South Carolina Ports Authority to help make this a reality. Today is a great day for Dillon and our region."

SC Ports Authority Celebrates Success of Inland Port Greer

GREER, SC - April 20, 2016 - This morning South Carolina Ports Authority held a celebration of the success of Inland Port Greer, a critical component of the intermodal container logistics landscape in South Carolina and the Southeast region less than three years after opening in November 2013.

"This is truly a momentous day for the SCPA and Inland Port Greer," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We celebrate a record volume of almost 9,000 rail container lifts in last month. Such volume annualized means we can achieve 100,000 rail lifts in calendar year 2016, a volume that we originally expected that would only be possible in five years' time. This facility is firing on all cylinders, with a rich mix of exports, imports and empty container movements for many of the major container shipping lines."

Early discussions between SCPA and Norfolk Southern began in January 2012 for the development of Inland Port Greer, a facility designed to convert a significant volume of existing containerized truck traffic between Greer and Charleston to rail along as well as create a significant distribution center hub for the area. SCPA broke ground on the 40-acre site in March 2013.

Inland Port Greer uniquely involves the convergence of four modes of transportation at one site, with the Port, rail, truck and the nearby GSP International Airport all handling international commerce for the region's shippers. It operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week to serve the just-in-sequence supply chain needs of SCPA's major customers. Located within 500 miles of 100 million consumers in the Eastern U.S., Greer is an ideal for overnight distribution.

"Today, we also celebrate the significant decision by Dollar Tree to build a major, 'big box' distribution center in Cowpens, South Carolina that will be served by Inland Port Greer," Newsome said. "The first of many containers from Dollar Tree will soon arrive here in Greer, marking further growth for this amazing facility. We feel that many more such facilities can be located in this area as a result."

Newsome cited the the following critical components for success of an inland port: an existing mainline, intermodal containerized rail service; an anchor client providing a significant cargo base at facility start-up; and a willing local community of elected officials, business partners and neighbors.

"Most importantly, today we recognize the fact that this great facility was only realized through the collaboration of many groups who saw a good idea and helped bring it to fruition," Newsome said. "I extend our thanks to those parties and give my commitment that the Port will continue to work diligently to realize the full potential of this facility as a catalyst for economic growth in this important region of our state. Going forward, we are excited to build upon the success of Inland Port Greer and consider opportunities for similar projects in other locations in the state and region."

South Carolina Ports Authority Container Volume Up 4.4 Percent

CHARLESTON, SC - March 17, 2016 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority reported fiscal year-over-year growth through February, with 4.4 percent gains in container volume since the 2016 fiscal year began in July.

SCPA handled 157,962 twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs) in February, an increase of 3.3 percent over February 2015. SCPA's total fiscal year-to-date container volume reached nearly 1.28 million TEUs last month, compared to 1.23 TEUs handled during the same period last year.

Pier container volume, or boxes handled, totaled 88,643 containers in February. Fiscal year to date, 721,810 total containers have moved across the docks of SCPA's two container terminals.

"February volumes showed modest increases over last year, and we expect continued moderate upticks in our volumes through the spring," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.

Non-containerized cargo volumes were strong last month, with 66,619 pier tons handled in Charleston in February. Total fiscal year-to-date breakbulk volume is nearly 31 percent ahead of plan, with 799,687 pier tons handled during the period.

The Inland Port handled 8,623 rail moves in February, its highest ever monthly volume since the facility opened in November 2013. Fiscal year-to-date rail moves have increased nearly 66 percent, with 58,211 moves since July.

Board Action

The Board approved two contracts advancing the progress of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, including construction quality assurance services and site preparation.

The Board also approved plans to purchase a 185-foot boom lift truck for Wando Welch Terminal. The truck will be used for service and maintenance activities performed on SCPA's two new super post-Panamax cranes, which are scheduled to be delivered in late May.

About South Carolina Ports Authority

Newsome's State of the Port Predicts Decisive Five Years Ahead for SCPA

CHARLESTON, SC - SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 - Sustaining above-market container volume growth, achieving the deepest harbor on the East Coast, investing in infrastructure and expanding its cargo base topped the list of South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) five-year initiatives highlighted today at the State of the Port.

In his seventh address at the annual Propeller Club of Charleston event, president and CEO Jim Newsome reflected on the volume and revenue gains that well-position SCPA to face the challenges ahead for South Carolina's public port system.

"Within the state, we are an economic driver and strategic asset that should be a source of pride for our shareholders, the people of South Carolina," Newsome said. "From a competitive standpoint, we offer the best product at the lowest cost in the U.S. port industry. Our above-market growth is an achievement that has positioned the Port as a strong and visible global brand and will continue to pay dividends to the state and region?s economies."

SCPA reported a nearly 15 percent fiscal year-over-year increase in container volume in 2015, handling 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Charleston breakbulk grew 7 percent over planned volumes, with 900,000 pier tons handled during FY2015. A record-breaking 253,338 vehicles moved across SCPA docks, up 15 percent from the previous record of 219,900 vehicles in FY2008.

Newsome highlighted SCPA?s significant financial growth over the last five fiscal years, including a 75 percent increase in revenue from $112 million in FY2010 to $196 million in FY2015. During that time, operating earnings jumped from $8.4 million to $30 million, and pier container volumes, or boxes handled, increased from 741,000 to 1.095 million.

Newsome said SCPA?s ability to build upon this success over the next five years will be decisive for the Port. Strong fundamentals within the Southeast region will support the Port?s aggressive goals, providing a growing consumer population base that creates demand for imports as well as an expanding manufacturing industry that requires deepwater for heavy export cargo. Included in SCPA?s long-range goals is the climb from top-ten to top-five U.S. container port volume ranking by the end of the decade.

Planned volume gains are also linked to Charleston?s compelling opportunity to serve big ships calling the East Coast. With alliances among the major shipping lines firmly in place and 90 percent of new ocean vessels to be built for 7,500 TEUs or greater, shippers will become increasingly dependent on ports to offer deep and wide harbors for reliable access. The expansion of the Panama Canal and raising of the Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey, both slated for completion next year, will also bring post-Panamax vessels to the Southeast in greater frequency.

SCPA's efforts to deepen the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet are on schedule, with a firm focus on expediting the Preconstruction Engineering and Design Phase of the project. Construction is expected to be completed by 2020, enabling Charleston Harbor to offer shippers 24-hour access to 48 feet of draft.

In addition to the completion of harbor deepening, SCPA will also focus on investments to terminal capacity and infrastructure, including construction progress on the Navy Base Terminal and Wando Welch Terminal wharf strengthening project. Newsome cited the State of South Carolina as a committed partner in the Port's long-term success, with planned investments in port-related infrastructure including harbor deepening, the Navy Base Terminal access road, and Intermodal Container Transfer Facility.

"Significant investment is required to be a major U.S. container port, and earning adequate return on capital will be a challenge for us in the years ahead," Newsome said. "In addition to maintaining above-market growth and delivering high value for the reliability and cost of service we offer, there are a number of actions required to realize these investments: an improved contractual structure and revenue model from port clients; firm prioritization of capital expenditures; and an inward focus on organizational streamlining, effectiveness and productivity."

Newsome cited a successful trucking community and support of both Class One rail carriers serving the Port as critical to SCPA's long-term ability to handle growing container volumes. SCPA extended gate hours in February and maintains low truck turn times to support productivity of the trucking industry, a key asset of freight movement. SCPA's efforts to grow rail volumes have been successful, with 22 percent of SCPA's container volume handled by intermodal rail in FY2015. Newsome pointed to improvement in intermodal infrastructure as essential to the Port's ability to attract cargo, as inland transportation costs play a key role in global supply chain decisions.

Expansion of the Port's cargo base will drive planned volume increases, Newsome said. In addition to the cargo that naturally flows through South Carolina's port facilities, SCPA will continue to pursue discretionary cargo, including Midwestern agriculture products and plastics from the Gulf. Private sector investment in port-related infrastructure is critical to serve these growing markets.

"In order to expand our cargo base, the Port must continue intensive efforts to connect the dots between major economic development opportunities, our capable harbor, and the necessary infrastructure to serve growing markets," Newsome said. "Our Inland Port in Greer is a great example of this. The facility saw tremendous success in its first full fiscal year of operation and will likely be expanded in FY2017, and I envision opportunities to consider additional inland port locations in the future."

Other long-term investments for the SCPA include progress on the Jasper Ocean Terminal (JOT), which represents the next major increment of Southeast container port capacity. Newsome pointed to the significant capital requirements necessary for the terminal to be realized, including deepening the Savannah River to at least 52 feet and providing adequate road and rail infrastructure with access for both Class One railroads. The JOT Joint Project Office is expected to begin the permitting process for the terminal later this fiscal year.

"The next five years bring great opportunity for our port," Newsome said. "By 2020 we will complete the harbor deepening project to 52 feet, open Phase One of the Navy Base Terminal and enjoy an operational dual-served intermodal container transfer facility. Delivering on our priorities and aggressive action will be required to meet these goals. The Port has a highly talented and skilled workforce, and with the commitment of our entire maritime community, I am confident that SCPA's best years are ahead."

View the State of the Port presentation here.

About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually 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 South Carolina Ports, please visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Authority Posts $30.4 Million in Operating Earnings

CHARLESTON, SC - AUGUST 19, 2015 - Today SC Ports Authority reported 2015 fiscal year-end operating earnings of $30.4 million and revenues of $196.8 million, significant increases over the previous year's financial performance.

From July through June, SCPA more than doubled its previous fiscal year's operating earnings of $14.3 million, while operating revenues increased 20 percent over FY2014 revenues of $32.6 million. Total operating expenses for the 2015 fiscal year totaled $166.3 million.

"The strong financial performance achieved during the 2015 fiscal year reflects the SCPA's focus on achieving the growth required to execute its aggressive capital investment plan," said SCPA Board Chairman Bill Stern.

The positive financial report comes on the heels of 14 percent FY2015 container volume growth reported last month. SCPA handled 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the period, an increase of 231,473 TEUS over the previous fiscal year. The fiscal year results continue SCPA's above-market growth trend, with 8 percent growth achieved during the 2014 fiscal year and 9 percent the prior year.

"With 14 percent container volume growth and operating cash flow well above plan, SCPA is well-positioned to continue moving forward with key strategic projects and above-market growth," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome.

July Volumes

SCPA reported a strong start to the 2016 fiscal year, handling 175,223 TEUs in July for an increase of 14 percent over the same month last year. Calendar year to date, TEU volumes are up 14.2 percent over last year with 1.17 million TEUs handled since January.

As measured in pier containers, SCPA handled nearly 100,000 boxes last month for a gain of 12.8 percent over July 2014.

Non-containerized cargo volumes were positive in July, with 163,490 pier tons handled. Charleston moved 83,440 tons during the month, 47.7 percent higher than planned breakbulk volumes for the month. Tonnage was also ahead of plan at Georgetown in July, with 80,500 tons handled.

The Inland Port achieved record volumes in July, with 7,567 rail moves completed during the month. Growth at the facility has been strong since it opened in November 2013, and during its first full fiscal year of operation in FY2015, the Inland Port handled 58,407 total rail moves.

Board Action

In action items, the Board awarded construction contracts for the Wando Welch Terminal improvement project and the expansion of the refrigerated cargo yard at North Charleston Terminal.

To meet growing volume demand at the Inland Port, the Board approved a transfer of two rubber-tired gantry cranes from the Wando Welch Terminal to the terminal in Greer.

Community Giving Awards

SCPA announced $81,000 in grants to 42 charitable organizations through its annual Community Giving Program, which provides grant support in regions where SCPA operates in order to positively impact maritime commerce, economic development, the environment, and educational and community needs.

"The port's mission extends beyond maritime commerce and economic development activities, "said Newsome. "Community Giving is an important program that enables us to be a strong community partner and neighbor. From a large pool of worthy applicants, the organizations selected to receive grant funds will support critical programs and initiatives in the communities where we operate."

Recipients of a $5,000 grant included Charleston Waterkeeper, Chucktown Squash Scholars and Daniel Morgan Technology Center. Charleston Waterkeeper, whose mission is to protect and restore Charleston's waterways for the community and future generations, will utilize the grant to administer two months of laboratory water quality testing as part of the Recreational Water Quality Testing Program.

Chucktown Squash Scholars, an after-school youth development program that integrates the sport of squash with academic tutoring, literacy development, fitness education and community service, will utilize SCPA funds to administer its mentoring program for 50 students at three Charleston County School District Title One schools.

Daniel Morgan Technology Center, South Carolina's only secondary career center offering a global logistics program, will utilize the grant funds to purchase classroom equipment needed to deliver supply chain and logistics courses for Spartanburg High School and Broome High School students.

Other recipients earned $2,500 and $1,000 grants for numerous programs and efforts including mentoring, free book programs and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education; hunger relief and emergency assistance; litter collection and environmental monitoring programs; and community health programs.

Grant recipients include:

American Red Cross

Be a Mentor

Camp Rise Above

Charleston Gaillard Management Company

Charleston Habitat for Humanity

Community Pride, Inc.

East Cooper Meals on Wheels

Engaging Creative Minds

Friends of Coastal South Carolina

Friends of Keep Charleston Beautiful

Greater Charleston Business Alliance

Greer Relief & Resources Agency

Harvest Hope Food Bank

Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation

Jasper County First Steps

Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina

Lowcountry Food Bank

LowCountry Habitat for Humanity

Lowcountry Maritime Society

Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Metanoia

Palmetto Project/BEGIN WITH BOOKS

Reach Out and Read Carolinas

Redux Contemporary Art Center

Roscoe Reading Program

South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Maritime Museum

Ten at the Top

The Partners for a Better Community

The Salvation Army, Charleston Corps

The Village Group

Trident Literacy Association

United Ministries

Upstate Forever

USS Yorktown Foundation

Ward Leigh Foundation

Water Missions International

WINGS for kids

Wounded Nature - Working Veterans

Community Giving was created in 2012. For more information about the Community Giving program, visit Community Giving.

South Carolina Ports Authority (SPCA), established by the state?s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 statewide jobs and generate nearly $45 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 South Carolina Ports, please visit www.scspa.com.

SC Ports Announce Eight Percent Fiscal Year Growth

Charleston, SC - Today SC Ports Authority reported a strong finish for the 2014 fiscal year with 8 percent container growth, an increase of 2 percent over projected plans.

"Our above-market fiscal year growth again this year is testament to strong performance in our major business segments," said SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome. "The implementation of our strategic plan is paying off, and the large capital investments committed to port infrastructure by the state of South Carolina and Ports Authority are yielding great dividends. Significant capital investment by major port users has also positively impacted volumes."

In June the SCPA handled 149,183 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 19 percent from 125,257 TEUs handled the same period last year. For the total fiscal year period, July through June, the SCPA moved 1,684,907 TEUs.

On the non-containerized cargo side, the SCPA handled 83,399 pier tons in June for a total of 763,230 pier tons during the fiscal year in Charleston, an increase of 3.6 percent over plan.

Despite depth challenges at the Port of Georgetown, the terminal exceeded projected plans with 553,039 pier tons handled during the fiscal year, an increase of 11.8 percent year over year.

"I'm extremely proud of our strong fiscal year performance," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "We have a strong Board, talented and visionary CEO and senior staff, and support from a productive maritime community."

Capital projects planned for fiscal year 2015 will support continued growth. Wando Welch Terminal will receive upgrades to accommodate increases in Post-Panamax vessel calls. Construction at the Navy Base Terminal and harbor deepening remain key strategic priorities for the SCPA over the next several years, as well as the opening of the SC Department of Commerce's intermodal container transfer facility. The Inland Port in Greer is meeting volume and performance objectives, and will continue to be a vital component of SCPA growth.

"I congratulate the SCPA on their above-plan performance," said Larry Grooms, SC Senate Transportation Committee Chairman and SC Ports Authority Review and Oversight Committee Chairman. "The SCPA has aggressively captured significant market growth in the Southeast recently, and its success in outpacing competitors is incredibly positive news for South Carolina."

About the South Carolina Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 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.

SC Inland Port Earns Economic Development Impact Award

Charleston, S.C. - The SC Inland Port (SCIP) received the Economic Development Impact Award yesterday at the Upstate Alliance's annual meeting.

The annual award recognizes a public or private sector project that strengthens the Upstate business climate and enhances the area's marketability to prospective industry, resulting in an overall positive impact to the economic development efforts of the region.

"The SC Ports Authority is honored to receive this award for the Inland Port," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The support of Upstate business leaders and elected officials was critical to the success of the facility, and I believe that together we have improved the logistics infrastructure of our state for years to come. The Upstate is home to a large concentration of port users who will benefit from using the Inland Port, and we look forward to seeing the positive economic impacts it will continue to bring to the region."

SCIP opened in October 2013 in Greer, 212 miles inland from the Port of Charleston. Utilizing an existing overnight Norfolk Southern rail service, it links Charleston's deep-water container terminals with the rising import-export needs of the growing Southeast region. SCIP established a new rail ramp for intermodal freight in the Southeast, providing access to nearly 100 million consumers within 500 miles along the I-85 corridor.

"Our region's competitive advantage grows stronger with every train that departs the South Carolina Inland Port bound for the Port of Charleston. The South Carolina Ports Authority plays a crucial role in fueling our global economy and we are most grateful for their continued investment and support of our economic development efforts," said Jennifer Miller, interim President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance.

About the South Carolina Ports Authority
The South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 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.

Officials Celebrate Inland Port Opening with Norfolk Southern Inspection Train

Charleston, S.C. - Over 150 port users, partners, business leaders and elected officials gathered at the SC Inland Port (SCIP) in Greer today to welcome a ceremonial train trip by Norfolk Southern, SC Ports Authority partner for the SCIP.

"This is a great opportunity for SC Ports to celebrate the fully open and operational Inland Port with our partner, Norfolk Southern," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "We have opened a new intermodal origin and destination in the fastest growing part of the Southeast, the I-85 corridor. We've had tremendous support from the Upstate and look forward to growing our Greer cargo base this year."

The Norfolk Southern inspection train made a special trip from Columbia to Greer to commemorate the successful SCIP opening. The train, which consists of restored vintage locomotives and passenger cars, is traditionally used for company officers to view the railroad's property and visit its employees. It includes five passenger cars, with the final car offering an up-close look at the track with 28 theater-style seats facing a rear observation window.

Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman thanked local elected officials and administrators for their "hard and very fast work to pave the way to bring this project from concept to reality in such a short amount of time. This year alone, Norfolk Southern will take 25,000 truck moves off I-26, saving fuel and emissions and alleviating congestion. Considering the growing pressures on truck operations, we anticipate this new service will provide upstate shippers with a cost-effective alternative for fulfilling their supply chain," he said.

"We're focused on growing business in South Carolina, and there's no question that the Inland Port helps us to do that," said SC Governor Nikki Haley. "Its presence in Greer will attract new companies to the Upstate and foster the expansion of those already located here. The partnership between the Port and Norfolk Southern not only strengthens our competitiveness as a manufacturing state, but one that can efficiently transport goods to customers nationally and internationally."

"The Inland Port is a game-changing investment that will shape the future of not only the Upstate but all of South Carolina," said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. "Even though it's more than 200 miles from the coast, the Inland Port will act as a force multiplier for the Port of Charleston. It's yet another tool for helping bring new business to South Carolina and for helping increase the efficiency of those already here."

"The Inland Port will give companies in the 4th District an efficient and cost-effective way to move their products across the state, making the Upstate an even more attractive location for investment, economic development and job creation," said U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy.

"I am pleased to welcome the Norfolk Southern Inspection Train and the officers aboard to South Carolina and the Inland Port," said U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan. "The Inland Port serves an imperative role in the transportation of goods throughout our state and the region, and will continue to remain a source of economic development for South Carolina for years to come."

The Inland Port opened in October of 2013 to improve the efficiency of international container movements between the Port of Charleston, South Carolina Upstate and neighboring states. In partnership with Norfolk Southern, the project utilizes an overnight train service to handle double-stack container trains to and from the Port of Charleston's productive seaport facilities. The SCIP is expected to convert an estimated 25,000 container movements from truck to rail in the first year of operation.

Local Students Name Inland Port Cranes

Greer, SC - Five creative Greer elementary students earned $500 from SC Ports for their schools, thanks to their participation in a port contest to name equpiment at the newly opened Inland Port.

The Port partnered with five elementary schools, including Buena Vista, Chandler Creek, Crestview, Skyland and Woodland, for the contest during the month of October. Third through fifth grade students submitted names for three rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), which move loaded containers on and off trains and around the container yard, and two empty loaders, which transport and stack empty containers. Over 200 student entries were received.

A team of SCPA employees selected the following five entries as the winners:

The winning entries will be painted onto the equipment.

The Inland Port in Greer opened for business in October, extending the Port of Charleston's docks 212 miles inland. The facility represents new capacity to efficiently handle freight across the state via overnight train service provided by Norfolk Southern. It provides shippers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transporting their containers for Southeastern markets closer to their final destination.

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