SC Ports celebrated the expansion of Inland Port Greer, which provides more cargo capacity and rail capabilities for port-dependent customers. (Photo/Matthew Peacock)
South Carolina Ports marked the completion of a $55 million expansion project at Inland Port Greer on Wednesday, strengthening the port’s statewide intermodal capabilities and connectivity from the Port of Charleston to inland markets.
Upgrades include an expanded container yard to increase cargo capacity by 50%, 9,000 feet of additional rail to quickly handle longer trains, an expanded chassis lot, and new terminal operations and maintenance buildings.
With these enhancements, Inland Port Greer can handle 300,000 rail lifts annually and meet projected customer demand through 2040.
“This critical project not only supports the needs of our existing customers, but also positions the region to attract more cargo and new business,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “South Carolina is among the states with the fastest-growing population and GDP in the nation, and SC Ports stands ready with ample capacity and infrastructure to meet the growing demand for reliable port service.”
Customer demand drove the need for an expanded footprint. Inland Port Greer saw 355% cargo growth from 2014 to 2024, representing an average annual growth rate of 16%.
“We have seen tremendous growth at Inland Port Greer since operations began, and this expansion and investment will allow us to continue providing excellent service as our customers grow,” Melvin said.
The project was funded in part by a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant awarded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) in 2018. SC Ports received $13.75 million of the grant, which was administered by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).
SC Ports, SCDOT, Norfolk Southern, and BMW partnered together for the grant application.
“We are grateful for the support of our Congressional delegation, state leaders, USDOT and SCDOT,” Melvin said. “Their continued recognition of SC Ports as an economic driver for South Carolina and the broader Southeast allows us to make bold investments that keep our state competitive.”
The completion of the Inland Port Greer expansion comes as SC Ports prepares to bring the Navy Base Intermodal Facility (NBIF) online later in 2025, enhancing South Carolina’s rail access to key markets like Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville and beyond.
Inland Port Greer’s strategic location along the I-85 corridor between Atlanta and Charlotte allows cargo to efficiently move between the Port of Charleston and inland population centers, with Norfolk Southern providing daily rail service.
Inland Port Greer moves goods for advanced manufacturers, mega retailers and consumer goods industries across the Southeast. Many of these companies have invested in Upstate operations to take advantage of the inland port.
SC Ports generates a $44 billion economic impact in the Upstate each year, with port operations directly and indirectly supporting 132,000 jobs in the region.
Notable quotes:
“Smart investments in port infrastructure drive new business and economic prosperity for our state. Inland Port Greer has been a catalyst for the Upstate’s economy, bringing with it new opportunities for our people. This project will serve as a boost to South Carolina’s port-dependent businesses, and continue to promote our business-friendly reputation around the world.” — Governor Henry McMaster
“The expansion of Inland Port Greer is great news for the shippers who depend on the Port of Charleston. The additional capacity and rail capabilities will generate even more investment and jobs in the Upstate, helping our companies grow. I am proud to have joined my South Carolina colleagues in supporting this important project that will pay dividends for American companies in the years to come.” — US Senator Lindsey Graham
“South Carolina Ports serves as a huge economic engine for our state. This expansion of Inland Port Greer will further economic growth in the Upstate and across the Southeast. I am proud of the work Team South Carolina has done to make this project possible, and I look forward to seeing port investments further support the growth of South Carolina companies.” — US Senator Tim Scott
“Many Upstate companies depend on SC Ports to handle their imports and exports. This supply chain activity generates economic benefits and jobs for South Carolinians. The expansion of Inland Port Greer will further help our existing companies grow and bring new business to the region, creating more economic opportunities in the Upstate.” — Congressman William Timmons
“At the South Carolina Department of Transportation, we are proud to see this project reach another critical milestone, enhancing economic prosperity for South Carolinians for years in the future. Keeping up with tremendous growth and ensuring South Carolina is a great place to live, work, and raise a family takes a team effort and SCDOT remains committed to making sure our transportation network supports our economy and our quality of life.” — Justin Powell, South Carolina Secretary for Transportation
“Inland Port Greer is an essential hub in our intermodal network, providing our customers — from advanced manufacturers to major retailers — with fast, reliable, and sustainable access between the Port of Charleston and inland markets. This expansion enhances the infrastructure needed to meet rising demand while supporting more environmentally efficient freight movement. It also reflects the strength of our partnership with SC Ports. Together, we’re building a more connected, more resilient supply chain that drives economic growth across the Southeast.” — Shawn Tureman, Vice President, Intermodal & Automotive Marketing at Norfolk Southern
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 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.
Media Contacts:
Liz Crumley
Director, Corporate Communications
SC Ports Authority
314-494-9106
lcrumley@scspa.com
Laura Clifton
Manager, Public Relations
SC Ports Authority
843-577-8676
lclifton@scspa.com
