PORT DIRECTORY
Drayage Carriers at the Port of Charleston
About Drayage at This Port
The Port of Charleston, operated by the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), is one of the fastest-growing container ports on the US East Coast, handling over 3 million TEU annually across three container terminals: Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal, and the new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal on the Cooper River. Charleston offers one of the deepest natural harbors on the East Coast, capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels after a harbor deepening project completed in 2021. The port serves a diverse cargo mix including automotive parts, retail goods, chemicals, and agricultural products destined for Southeast US markets and beyond. Inland connectivity is strong, with direct rail service via CSX and Norfolk Southern and a growing inland port network including the Greer Inland Port in upstate South Carolina. Drayage carriers at Charleston require TWIC credentials, UIIA membership, and SCPA carrier registration. DrayLocator lists verified carriers in South Carolina with live FMCSA data.
South Carolina Ports Authority Compliance
- TWIC Cards: All drivers entering secure terminal areas at Wando Welch and Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal must hold valid TWIC credentials.
- UIIA Membership: Required for chassis access across Charleston terminals. SCPA uses UIIA-affiliated chassis pools.
- SCPA Carrier Registration: Carriers must be registered in the South Carolina Ports Authority carrier system to complete gate transactions at all terminals.
- Appointment System: Charleston uses an electronic appointment system for all terminal gate entry. Drayage carriers must book appointments in advance.
Carriers Serving This Port
View all 43 ›Operating at the Port of Charleston: Key Context
Charleston's cargo mix reflects the industrial structure of the Southeast US. The BMW manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is one of the port's largest customers: it is BMW's largest factory globally by production volume and exports finished X-series vehicles through Charleston while importing parts from Europe and Asia. This automotive trade gives Charleston drayage carriers a consistent base of specialized, time-sensitive freight. Tire manufacturing (Michelin has major facilities in Greenville and Anderson, SC) adds further automotive supply chain volume. On the import side, retail goods from Asia destined for Southeast US distribution centers make up a large share of inbound containers. The Greer Inland Port, about 212 miles inland near Interstate 85, allows shippers in the Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina manufacturing corridor to access Charleston through rail without relying solely on truck drayage for the full distance. This effectively extends Charleston's service area deep into the Carolina Piedmont and positions the port well for continued automotive and advanced manufacturing growth in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal?
The Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is a new container facility on the Cooper River that opened in 2021. It is South Carolina Ports Authority's newest container terminal, designed to accommodate ultra-large vessels and reduce congestion at the older Wando Welch Terminal. It features on-dock rail and automated gate systems.
How deep is the Port of Charleston harbor?
After a multi-year deepening project completed in 2021, the Port of Charleston main channel reaches 52 feet at mean low water, making it one of the deepest East Coast ports and capable of handling fully-loaded ultra-large container vessels.
Does the Port of Charleston have inland port connections?
Yes. The South Carolina Ports Authority operates the Greer Inland Port in upstate South Carolina, near Spartanburg, and the Dillon Inland Port in the Pee Dee region. These facilities offer rail-to-port connections that reduce long-haul truck drayage for shippers in the Southeast interior.
How do I find a drayage carrier at the Port of Charleston?
Browse DrayLocator carriers in South Carolina. Filter by UIIA and TWIC credentials to find carriers already cleared for terminal access. All carriers are verified against FMCSA SAFER data with operating status updated daily.
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