rail

SC Ports to Pause Leatherman Terminal Operations Starting August

South Carolina Ports announced June 25 that it will temporarily halt container operations at Leatherman Terminal beginning August 1, consolidating cargo handling to Wando Welch and North Charleston facilities. The decision reflects industry headwinds, uncertain trade forecasts and reduced shipping volumes. SC Ports said the two remaining terminals possess sufficient capacity for current demand and projected expansion. Since the pandemic, the Port of Charleston has grown Northeast Asia volume by 9%, outpacing a 2% decline at competing South Atlantic ports. Wando Welch Terminal, SC Ports' flagship container facility, handles roughly 80% of annual container volume with 2.4 million TEU capacity, including refrigerated container infrastructure. Port leadership pledged customers will maintain service quality and reliability standards. The consolidation aligns with efforts to enhance cost competitiveness while positioning the port for sustainable long-term growth.