SC Ports grows cargo, rail volume in fiscal year 2025

Despite fluctuating tariff introductions in the beginning of the year, the South Carolina Ports Authority finished its fiscal year with higher numbers than the year prior.

S.C. Ports handled 2.6 million TEUs in the 2025 fiscal year, 3% more than 2024. According to a news release, rail-transported goods from the Port of Charleston to the inland ports grew by 4% in the fiscal year. Cargo volume is measured in standard 20-foot equivalents, or TEUs. The common 40-foot container is two TEUs.

“South Carolina Ports and our maritime community operate a well-run port with quick access to the U.S. Southeast market, benefitting mega retailers, advanced manufacturers, refrigerated goods shippers, farmers and small businesses,” Barbara Melvin, S.C. Ports president and CEO, said in the release. “Our customers know we deliver excellent port service and personalized solutions for their supply chains, which is especially needed now.”

Inland Port Greer also saw nearly 10% more goods transported than 2024, with 205,523 total rail moves, the release said. For the first time, Greer broke more than 200,000 rail moves in 12 months, made possible by a recent expansion.

Inland Port Dillon completed 33,838 rail moves in the 2025 fiscal year, according to the release.

“We have a long-term growth plan to expand cargo capacity at the Port of Charleston on a pathway to 10 million TEUs and intermodal capabilities throughout the state, including building a second berth at Leatherman Terminal and opening our near-port rail yard in 2026,” Melvin said in the release. “The Leatherman Rail Yard will provide customers with speed to market, enhanced cargo visibility and 1 million rail lift capacity to handle more goods.”

S.C. Ports shipped 165,949 finished vehicles through the docks in the fiscal year, according to the release. S.C. Ports remains the eighth largest container port in the United States.