CHARLESTON, S.C. (January, 20 2026) — South Carolina Ports reported a record-breaking year at Inland Port Dillon, where rail container volumes reached 48,761 moves in calendar year 2025, a 33 percent increase over the previous year.
The performance marks the busiest year on record for Inland Port Dillon and reflects strong retail demand and a successful soybean harvest season for regional farmers. The facility plays a critical role in connecting agricultural producers and retailers across the Eastern Carolinas to global markets through the Port of Charleston.
Agricultural Exports and Retail Demand Fuel Growth
In 2025, SC Ports partnered with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and private-sector stakeholders to expand export opportunities for soybean producers. As a result, soybean exports through Inland Port Dillon increased 35 percent in both July and August, opening new international market access for growers amid challenging domestic conditions.
“Robust inland connectivity is a critical component of our port operations and gives shippers greater competitive access to global markets,” said Micah Mallace, President and CEO of SC Ports. “We are grateful to our Inland Port Dillon team, CSX, and our many partners for operating an efficient inland port and working collaboratively to grow new export opportunities.”
Significant Regional Economic Impact
SC Ports’ inland and marine terminal operations generate an estimated $9.7 billion in annual economic impact in South Carolina’s Pee Dee region. Inland Port Dillon handles a diverse mix of cargo, including soybeans, forest products, agricultural commodities, and consumer goods.
“SC Ports worked hard on behalf of South Carolina farmers in 2025,” said Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture. “Through a rapid response to a domestic plant closure and difficult market conditions, our agencies and partners exported an additional 1.2 million bushels of soybeans, creating new opportunities for producers across the state.”
December Volumes and Systemwide Performance
In December 2025, Inland Port Dillon handled 4,917 rail moves. Across the broader port system:
- The Port of Charleston moved 194,610 TEUs in December, closing the year with more than 2.6 million TEUs.
- Inland Port Greer recorded 12,954 rail moves in December and finished 2025 with 197,805 total moves.
- The Port of Charleston processed 11,649 vehicles in December, reaching 168,089 vehicles for the full year.
“Thank you to our SC Ports team and our maritime and logistics partners for delivering top-tier service throughout 2025,” Mallace said. “We enter 2026 well-positioned to continue supporting customers with productive port operations in the rapidly growing Southeast market.”
About South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the eighth-largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast to global markets. The port authority continues to invest proactively in infrastructure, offering efficient operations, expanded rail access, and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet, while supporting one in nine jobs statewide.
