South Carolina Port Operations Consolidate
Operators should adjust supply chain routing as container traffic moves to the Waldo and North Charleston terminals.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Transportation
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South Carolina Ports Authority consolidated its container operations into the Waldo and North Charleston terminals starting in June 2026. The shift, which included closing the Leatherman Terminal on August 1, 2026, aims to streamline logistics amid fluctuating container volumes.
Why it matters
The consolidation reflects a strategic effort to eliminate duplicated operating costs across the state's terminal network. By concentrating container traffic, the authority seeks to improve efficiency while aligning infrastructure capacity with current shipping demands.
Inland Port Greer capacity increased by 50% following a $55 million expansion, while Inland Port Dillon handled 48,761 rail containers in 2025. The authority maintains a fleet of 10,000 GPS-equipped chassis to support the pool program.
The players
South Carolina Ports Authority
A state-run entity that owns and operates ocean and inland ports, serving as a critical infrastructure provider for regional supply chains.
US Army Corps of Engineers
The federal agency responsible for planning, designing, and constructing water-related infrastructure, which recently signed a feasibility study agreement with the port authority.
The details
The authority re-routed cargo traffic from the Leatherman Terminal to the Waldo and North Charleston facilities to lower fixed expenses. This transition coincides with broader network upgrades, including a capacity boost at Inland Port Greer and the expansion of the Ports SMART Pool direct-leasing chassis program. Future capital investments at the North Charleston Terminal, set for completion in 2028, will further shift operations toward rail and Roll-on/Roll-off cargo capabilities.
Timeline
2014-2024: Greer experienced 355% cargo growth.
2025: Inland Port Greer expansion project completed.
June 2026: Container operations consolidated to Waldo and North Charleston terminals.
August 1, 2026: Leatherman Terminal ceased all operations.
2028: Anticipated completion of North Charleston terminal updates.
Market Landscape
This consolidation marks a departure from the rapid infrastructure growth previously seen under the Port of Charleston Modernization Project. It follows a period of heavy investment aimed at keeping the state competitive against regional port rivals.
Supply chain operators should account for re-routed cargo flows when coordinating inland transport to or from the North Charleston and Waldo terminals. Review active logistics contracts for potential impacts on transit times or costs resulting from these site consolidations.
The takeaway
Operators should monitor the North Charleston terminal updates as the 2028 completion date approaches, as this will introduce new Roll-on/Roll-off capacity to the region. Tracking chassis availability through the port's pool program remains essential for maintaining shipment velocity through the state's facilities.
Further reading
For more on how infrastructure shifts affect the logistics sector, explore South Carolina Transportation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
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