How container drayage works in Charleston
SC Ports runs three container terminals in Charleston harbor, led by Wando Welch and the newer Leatherman Terminal. At 52 feet, Charleston's harbor is the deepest on the East Coast, and a near-dock rail yard opened in 2025.
- Terminals
- Wando Welch, Hugh K. Leatherman and North Charleston
- Rail
- Navy Base Intermodal Facility, CSX and NS
- Harbor
- 52 feet deep, big ships at any tide
- Highways
- I-526, I-26 and US-17
More about drayage in Charleston
South Carolina Ports operates three container terminals in the Charleston harbor. Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant is the largest; Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, opened in 2021 on the former Navy base in North Charleston, is the newest; and North Charleston Terminal handles additional container services. Trucks reach them via I-526, I-26 and US-17.
In 2025 SC Ports opened the Navy Base Intermodal Facility about a mile from Leatherman Terminal, in partnership with Palmetto Railways and with service from CSX and Norfolk Southern. It gives Charleston near-dock rail capacity of about one million lifts in its first phase, and an inner-harbor barge moves containers between Wando Welch and Leatherman to feed it.
Charleston's harbor was deepened to 52 feet, the deepest on the East Coast, so the largest container ships can call at any tide. That brings big vessel calls and surges of containers that local trucking must handle.
3
Marine terminals
1
Rail ramp
Railroads
CSX · Norfolk Southern · Palmetto Railways
Main highways
I-26 · I-526 · US-17 · US-52 · SC-642
Container terminals and rail ramps in Charleston
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Charleston area.
Marine terminal
Rail ramp
Wando Welch Terminal
Marine terminal · SC Ports
Charleston's largest container terminal, in Mount Pleasant.
Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal
Marine terminal · SC Ports
Newest container terminal, opened 2021 on the former Navy base in North Charleston.
North Charleston Terminal
Marine terminal · SC Ports
Additional container terminal on the Cooper River in North Charleston.
Navy Base Intermodal Facility
Rail ramp · SC Ports / Palmetto Railways
Near-dock rail yard about a mile from Leatherman Terminal, opened 2025, served by CSX and Norfolk Southern; about one million lifts capacity in Phase 1.
Manufacturing in South Carolina
South Carolina has become a manufacturing powerhouse. BMW's plant in Spartanburg, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo Cars near Charleston, Boeing's 787 assembly in North Charleston and many suppliers import parts and export products through Charleston. Automotive exports are a big business, with vehicles shipped from Charleston to markets worldwide. Parts and components move in containers on tight schedules. Tires, chemicals, textiles and electric vehicle battery projects also generate significant container traffic.
Warehouses and the I-26 corridor
Distribution centers cluster in North Charleston, Summerville, Ridgeville and along I-26 toward Columbia. Large retailers and e-commerce companies use Charleston as an import gateway for the Southeast. Traffic on I-26 and I-526 can be heavy, especially near the terminals and during rush hours. Carriers schedule early appointments. Many containers continue to the Upstate via the Inland Port Greer or Inland Port Dillon, both served by rail from Charleston.
Weather and port operations
Hurricane season from June to November can close the port and roads. Storms such as Hurricane Hugo and more recent ones have disrupted operations. Summer heat and humidity affect drivers and cargo, and reefer containers need careful monitoring. SC Ports offers extended gate hours at some terminals, and carriers that work evenings can move containers faster.
South Carolina's inland port network
SC Ports has built a network of inland ports to extend Charleston's reach. Inland Port Greer, opened in 2013 in the Upstate, and Inland Port Dillon, opened in 2018 near the North Carolina line, both connect to Charleston by rail. Containers can be cleared at the coast and picked up at these inland terminals.
The inland ports have helped attract manufacturers and distribution centers to South Carolina by reducing truck miles and costs. BMW and its suppliers are among the biggest users of Inland Port Greer, while Dillon serves the Pee Dee region and southeastern North Carolina.
The Navy Base Intermodal Facility near Leatherman Terminal strengthens this network by adding near-dock rail capacity in Charleston, making it easier to move containers between ships and trains.
Common lanes out of Charleston
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Summerville / Ridgeville
Distribution centers along I-26.
30 mi
Savannah
Georgia port via I-95.
110 mi
Columbia
Midlands via I-26.
115 mi
Greenville / Spartanburg
Upstate manufacturing via I-26; or rail to Inland Port Greer.
210 mi
Charlotte
North Carolina via I-26 and I-77.
210 mi
Booking drayage in Charleston: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Charleston. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Name the terminal
Wando Welch, Leatherman and North Charleston are separate. Include the terminal in your request.
Use the inland ports for the Upstate
Rail to Inland Port Greer or Dillon can avoid long truck hauls.
Ask about the Navy Base rail yard
Near-dock rail can speed inland moves. Check with your ocean carrier.
Plan for hurricanes
Storms can close the port. Keep flexibility in summer and fall.
Drayage markets near Charleston
Many carriers that serve Charleston also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Charleston, SC.