Charleston container volume up 14.4% in November

Charleston container volume up 14.4% in November    The Port of Charleston's container volume grew 14.4 percent in November, to 65,251 containers, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) said Tuesday.
   It's the 11th consecutive month of growth for Charleston, which has seen volume grow 17.5 percent for the year.

Newsome

   'A recovering economy and new ocean carrier services boosted our business,' said Jim Newsome, SCSPA president and chief executive officer. 'As we predicted, volume is softening from previous months as we reach the end of the peak season.'
   The port welcomed a new weekly North Europe joint service of CMA CGM and CSAV began calling Charleston Nov. 1.
   The South Carolina Department of Transportation increased overweight permit limits to 100,000 pounds gross vehicle weight for containerized goods, which Newsome said will 'bear fruit moving ahead.'
   The port authority also noted that in early 2011, it will shift roll-on/roll-off operations to Columbus Street Terminal, where a $20-million improvement project is nearing completion to aid auto carrier operations in Charleston. The SCSPA said it will continue to pursue federal funding for the next phase of Charleston's post-45 foot harbor deepening project.