7.15.26 Charlotte Chapter Meeting

Charlotte Chapter July Meeting Key Take Aways!

South Carolina Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority shared an insightful presentation highlighting why the Port of Charleston continues to be a major economic driver for the Southeast and a critical piece of the region’s commercial real estate, industrial, manufacturing, and logistics ecosystem. The presentation focused on operational reliability, strategic infrastructure investments, and the port’s long-term capacity to support continued population and business growth throughout the Carolinas and beyond.

• The Southeast continues to be America’s fastest-growing region.
  • The South Atlantic region is projected to experience the largest population growth in the country through 2050, creating sustained demand for industrial, logistics, manufacturing, and commercial real estate.
• South Carolina is well-positioned for continued economic expansion.
  • More than $27 billion has been invested by companies in South Carolina over the past three years.
  • Nearly 79 million people live within 500 miles of the Port of Charleston, providing unmatched access to major consumer markets.
• Operational consistency is a competitive advantage.
  • The Port emphasized reliability through:
    • Immediate cargo availability upon discharge.
    • Average truck turn times of less than 34 minutes.
    • More than 34 crane moves per hour.
    • A smart chassis pool with over 10,000 chassis to keep freight moving efficiently.
• Major infrastructure investments are preparing for future growth.
  • More than $3 billion is being invested in terminal expansions, harbor deepening, bridge improvements, intermodal facilities, and roadway enhancements to significantly increase cargo capacity over the coming decades.
• Capacity is planned well ahead of demand.
  • While current throughput exceeds 3 million TEUs annually, planned investments are expected to expand capacity to:
    • 5.3 million TEUs by 2033
    • 7.2 million TEUs by 2040
    • 8.2 million TEUs by 2050
• Inland Ports Greer and Dillon continue to strengthen regional logistics.
  • Both inland ports provide fast overnight rail service, rapid truck turn times, reduced transportation costs, lower carbon emissions, and improved supply chain flexibility for businesses throughout the Carolinas.
• Extensive rail connectivity expands market reach.
  • Dual service from both Norfolk Southern and CSX provides access throughout the eastern United States, with approximately 75% of rail moves reaching Class I railheads within 24 hours.
• Global connectivity continues to grow.
  • The Port offers 28 weekly ocean carrier services, including direct connections throughout Asia and Europe, allowing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to move products efficiently into the rapidly growing Southeast market.
• Financial incentives encourage additional business investment.
  • South Carolina’s Port Tax Credit provides qualifying companies with up to $100 per TEU for new cargo volumes above a base year, further enhancing the state’s competitiveness for industrial and manufacturing investment.