South Carolina Ports' Record-Breaking Rail Network Transforms Retail and Agriculture!

South Carolina Ports’ inland port network is significantly enhancing efficiency for retailers, manufacturers, and agricultural producers.

Inland Port Dillon and Inland Port Greer offer daily dedicated rail services connecting to the Port of Charleston. These inland ports expedite the movement of imports and exports while also cutting down on overall carbon emissions, ancillary costs, and transit times by utilizing rail transportation for container movement.

Inland Port Dillon, situated in the Pee Dee region, supports a variety of industries, including major retailers and agricultural producers. Partnering with CSX, this port handles consumer goods, soybeans, forest products, cotton seed, and other agricultural products. In April, Inland Port Dillon achieved a record by handling 4,730 rail moves, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year.

Similarly, Inland Port Greer had a remarkable performance, recording its highest ever April with 16,105 containers moved, a 20% year-over-year increase. Working alongside Norfolk Southern, Inland Port Greer serves advanced manufacturers, mega retailers, and consumer goods industries. Since its inception in 2013, the port's cargo base has diversified, attracting significant investments in the Upstate region. An ongoing expansion project at Inland Port Greer aims to double its cargo capacity.

SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin highlighted the success of these inland ports, noting the consistent monthly cargo increases and the strategic benefits of the direct rail connections between the Port of Charleston and inland markets. Melvin emphasized the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure to support importers and exporters.

The Port of Charleston continues to offer efficient service, boasting the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. Container volumes at SC Ports’ marine terminals remain robust, with 215,058 TEUs and 119,840 pier containers handled last month.

The automotive sector also showed strength, with 18,118 vehicles processed in April, reflecting a 40% increase from the previous year. Melvin reiterated SC Ports' commitment to expanding capacity and capabilities to meet the growing demand, ensuring reliable and efficient service for the Southeast market.

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects businesses throughout the Southeast to global markets. The port’s proactive infrastructure investments ensure reliable service, efficient operations, and extensive cargo capacity, supported by the deepest harbor on the East Coast. SC Ports is a crucial economic engine for South Carolina, supporting one in nine jobs statewide.