Charleston April box volume jumps 28.5%

Charleston April box volume jumps 28.5%    The South Carolina State Ports Authority said the Port of Charleston handled 68,757 containers in April, 28.5 percent more than in April 2009.
   Loaded exports increased 38.1 percent to 29,791 containers, and loaded imports improved 25.1 percent to 28,013. It was the fourth straight month of year-over-year container volume increases for the Port of Charleston
   'Exports have been leading the way lately, and now imports are coming back as well,' said Jim Newsome, the port authority's president and chief executive officer. 'Import growth is a very positive indicator and one that we'll watch very closely in the coming months.
   'With many ships calling Charleston last port outbound before sailing overseas, this is a natural port for export cargoes,' he said, noting ships can sail from the port drawing up to 48 feet.