SCPA posts best October ever for container volumes

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) terminals in Charleston and Georgetown, S.C. handled 184,804 TEUs for the month, and container volumes at fiscal year-to-date (beginning in July) up 5 percent to 724,799 TEUs.    South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) terminals in Charleston and Georgetown, S.C. handled 184,804 TEUs last month in its strongest October ever, the port authority said Wednesday.
   SCPA moved a record 105,208 total containers across the docks of its two container terminals in October, surpassing the previous October record of 102,413 pier containers in 2004.
   So far during the SCPA’s fiscal year, which began in July, volumes are up 5 percent year-over-year to 724,799 TEUs. Pier container volumes have grown 5.7 percent to 410,856 total boxes handled from July through October.
   “Container growth in October was broad-based across multiple segments, with particular strength of export loaded containers,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. “All indicators are that the U.S. port market will continue to grow, based on good performance of the global economy. We look forward to the addition of container volume from major manufacturing operations such as Volvo Cars, Samsung Electronics and Mercedes Vans going into 2018.”
   Inland Port Greer also achieved its strongest October since the facility opened in November 2013, with 11,773 rail moves handled last month, the port authority said. 
   SCPA saw strong first quarter growth for its fiscal year beginning in July 2016 and ending in September 2017, with TEUs increasing 10 percent compared to the same period a year prior.
   The port authority also recently announced the rebranding of its internal consulting service, Supply Chain Authority, which assists port customers in improving their supply chains.