Following the most successful all-time cargo record for March, South Carolina Ports Authority confirmed earlier this week the Port of Charleston broke the April record for cargo handled. More than 225,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were moved in April from Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, representing an upward growth trend of 27.8 percent in a year and 2.09 million TEUs in fiscal year 2021 so far.

“Companies needing to quickly import and export goods benefit from the available capacity at SC Ports,” SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said. “We have invested significantly in our infrastructure, including enhancing Wando Welch Terminal and opening Leatherman Terminal, to ensure Charleston can handle the biggest ships and growing cargo volumes coming to the East Coast.”

Vehicles, containers, and inland ports were among segments of business growth in April. Loaded imports accounted for a 27 percent increase for the month along with a 30 percent surge in loaded exports. Manufacturing and automotive industries in the region were cited as main drivers behind the increase.

April also saw a 143.1 percent increase in vehicles. SCPA reported 21,966 vehicles rolled the docks at the Columbus Street Terminal, representing the 209,598 vehicles handled so far for the fiscal year (a 14.5 percent increase).

“Our entire maritime and motor carrier community kept freight moving during the past year. We owe them much gratitude for keeping our shelves stocked and businesses running during the pandemic,” Newsome said. “As the global supply chain continues to feel strained, it is evident that SC Ports invested in the right infrastructure at the right time. We have the capacity, big-ship capabilities and deep harbor today to handle cargo influxes.”