Port sees 7.5% cargo increase in Q1 of FY19; September down slightly

Cargo volumes are up at the Port of Charleston for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, while September volumes saw a slight dip in activity.

The port saw a 7.5% increase in cargo handled from July through September, moving 580,000 TEUs, a common industry measurement representing every 20 feet worth of container.

In September, the port handled 173,226 TEUs, down 3.7% from the same period a year ago.

When counting total boxes moved, the port saw a 7.9% uptick in cargo during the first quarter. The port handled nearly 330,000 pier containers at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals during that period.

In September, the port handled 98,462 total containers, down 3.4% from a year ago.

S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said, “SCPA’s fiscal year-over-year growth reflects a very positive start to our 2019 fiscal year.”

Break-bulk cargo — pieces that don’t fit into a container, such as vehicles or turbines — was down 17% in the first quarter.

Activity at both inland ports remained strong, as Dillon continues to ramp up and Greer celebrated its fifth year in operation, Newsome said.

Fiscal 2019 results (July to September):

Source: S.C. Ports Authority