South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) reported record cargo volume in August, port officials said September 19.

SCPA handled 233,110 twenty-foot equivalent (TEUs) container units at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals during the month, up 13% from August 2018. Year-to-date, the port has handled 443,652 TEUs, up 9% from the same period a year ago, officials said.

"Our record volumes are driven by a strong U.S. economy, as well as our advantageous Southeast location and consistently productive terminals," SCPA president and CEO Jim Newsome said.

SCPA's inland Port Greer reported 14,854 rail moves in August, up 24% from a year ago. Inland Port Dillon, now in its second year of operation, had 3,204 rail moves in August, up 60% from last year, officials said.

Port officials also announced a successful bond issuance that will allow it to finish construction of phase one of the Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal in North Charleston in early 2021.