In recent months, the South Carolina Ports and the Union Pier Project have become synonymous with one another. Even though focus on the project, which would bring a significant economic impact to the City of Charleston, has taken over headlines, SC Ports continues to look to the future and how they can continue to keep the Charleston region thriving.

Recently, the Chamber held its second State of the Region event in 2023, where Jordi Yarborough, Vice President, Statewide Stakeholders & Local Government Engagement for the South Carolina Ports Authority, joined a full Chamber boardroom to discuss numerous projects the Port are working on and the impact it can have on jobs, traffic patterns and our region’s economy.

Navy Base Intermodal Facility (NBIF)

• Improve supply chain fluidity and reliability from South Carolina’s marine terminals to inland destinations.
• Construct and operate dual rail-served NBIF with dedicated drayage road from Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal (HLT).
• Direct rail-intensive shipping services to HLT.
• Construct barge berth at HLT and Wando Welch Terminal (WWT). Transport by barge a residual amount of rail boxes from WWT.
• Enhanced utilization of Inland Ports Greer and Dillon.
• Alternative transportation vs truck only.

SMART Pool Chassis Program

• 11,000 total chassis. Pool consists of newly purchased and leased chassis including 20’, 40’, 40/45’ and triaxle 20/40 combinations.
• Leasing structure allows for quick deployment of additional assets.
• All chassis will have robust outfitting, including ABS, Radial Tires, LED lights and GPS tracking.
• Completely priced for carriers and merchant’s haulage with low OOS rate.
• https://scspa.com/smart-pool/

Trucking Apprenticeship Program

• SC Ports is working with Trident Technical College and the South Carolina Trucking association to establish a South Carolina Trucking Apprenticeship Program to utilize 30 slots in the Federal pilot program.
• Eligible apprentices, ages 18-20, will be identified by Trident Tech and interviewed by SC Ports, a private trucking company and other stakeholders.
• Apprentices would enroll at Trident Tech and complete on the job training in the SC Ports’ Rapid Rail Program
• After completing the program and the required probationary period, apprentices would be hired by a private company with requirements to drive in the SCPA Rapid Rail Program for an agreed upon time (3-5 years)   

Looking Toward the Future – Transportation Improvements

• 526/Long Point Road Interchange – SCDOT has acknowledge the concern of traffic at the 526/Long Point Road Interchange, as it serves as the main route to the WWT, as well as businesses, school and parks.

• Barge Operations – In addition to the NBIF, barge operations moving containers from WWT to HLT, then onto NBIF will reduce truck trips on 526 by 500,000.

Union Pier Project Updates

• The Union Pier planning process will now be led by the city, community and stakeholders, and in coordination with third-party consultants.
• A one-year timeline has been established to collaborate and present an updated plan.

Port Tours Are Again Open to the Public

• After a hiatus, due to COVID-19, tours of the two port terminals are back open to the community.