SCPA Notches Container Volume Uptick

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) 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, SCPA said. 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.