The South Carolina Ports Authority is expanding ro-ro operations at the North Charleston Terminal, which has Palmetto Railways railroad access.

SC Ports said the first step has been project design approval, which came May 15. The ro-ro terminal is now under construction and expected to begin operations in 2027, with full completion in 2028.

“South Carolina is home to some of the world’s largest advanced manufacturers, who rely on the Port of Charleston to keep their supply chains fluid and businesses competitive,” Micah Mallace, SC Ports president and CEO, said in a news release. “SC Ports cares deeply about serving our customers. This plan demonstrates our commitment to investing in timely projects to meet their needs, and it ensures capacity to meet their growth every step of the way.”

Ro-ro terminals load and unload wheeled cargo. Instead of using cranes, cargo is driven or towed on and off the vessel on ramps.

By adding the terminal, SC Ports said it can expand container capacity at the North Charleston Terminal. It will be built following the demolition of a former paper mill site, which SC Ports acquired in 2024.

“We are committed to growth, and we will use every acre of our real estate to welcome new cargo opportunities to Charleston,” Mallace said. “Growth at the port drives opportunity within our maritime community and creates jobs around our state.”

The Columbus Street Terminal currently has breakbulk and ro-ro operations, allowing a capacity of more than 250,000 vehicles annually through the Port of Charleston. According to the release, South Carolina contributes to 18% of completed passenger vehicle export sales, the largest U.S. market share.

“As a trusted partner of SC Ports, Palmetto Railways is dedicated to providing efficient rail cargo handling and terminal switching services across all SC Ports marine terminals,” Patrick McCrory, president and CEO of Palmetto Railways, said in the release. “SC Ports’ initiative to provide expanded rail services at its North Charleston Terminal builds on robust existing rail infrastructure and improves capacity for future cargo growth. Together, we will continue working seamlessly to enhance service for our shared customers for ro-ro operations at North Charleston Terminal, while also collaborating on future business growth opportunities at Columbus Street Terminal.”

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Infinity Aviation Group, a full-service fixed-base operator, has opened its headquarters office in Charleston with its primary operations in New England. 

The Charleston office, located at 40 Calhoun St., will be led by Steven Levesque and Scott Zimmerman, veterans of the aviation industry. According to a company news release, the team’s primary focus is on growing its FBO network through mergers and acquisitions and further developing the Nashua, N.H., operation.  

“As long-time business leaders in Charleston, we are thrilled to open our Infinity Aviation office here to support the growth of our private jet aviation business,” Levesque, CEO of Infinity Aviation Group, said in the release. “With our well-capitalized platform, we are well-positioned to grow our national network of FBOs in the U.S.  And, we are thrilled to have our team all together working out of the same office location.” 

The aviation firm currently operates out of the Nashua Airport and at a public-use general aviation airport near Manchester-Boston Regional and Hanscom Field in Massachusetts. 

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From vehicle manufacturing to workforce training to global partners, a lot of elements are leading South Carolina trade along a strong path, lifting the state above national averages.

South Carolina ranked as the No. 17 largest exporter of goods in 2024, collecting $38 billion in economic impact, according to research from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Even as exports boom, the overall trade health for South Carolina and the country is facing some setbacks.

For economists such as Joey Von Nessen, research economist at the University of South Carolina, the theme of 2026 is “uncertainty.”

As tariffs shift, Von Nessen said businesses tend to go into a “wait-and-see mode,” unsure of following through with investments and hiring. The goods sector is seeing the primary slowdown, more so than the services sector.

South Carolina has seen a much milder slowdown in overall economic health than at the national level. Von Nessen said he expects the slight boost to be related to population growth, or as he refers to it, the “secret sauce.”

What is truly playing a role in the success of South Carolina trade?

South Carolina-made products now reach three times the number of export markets they did 20 years ago.

Regionally, state exports are affecting every corner of South Carolina; Charleston with $9.5 billion, Columbia with $2.2 billion, and Greenville, Anderson, Greer and Spartanburg with $17.7 billion. Of the total GDP, export revenue accounted for 11.6%.

In a state study on 2024 export sales, South Carolina’s top three export products were completed passenger vehicles, aircrafts and parts, and machinery and parts. Germany was the No. 1 export market for the state with nearly $5 billion, followed by Canada and Mexico.

According to the study, South Carolina exporters reached 197 countries and territories in 2024. For the 10th year in a row, the state was the top exporter of tires, representing almost 37% of the national market

Von Nessen said the Southeast is expected to see more population gains over the next decade than any other region of the country. That increase is what makes the global goods producers more attracted to the region.

“One of the main focuses should be on recognizing and addressing the high level of growth we are seeing in the state for business growth and economic growth, as well as population growth,” Von Nessen said. “One area where we see this is the need for infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand.”

South Carolina is active in both large and small local business communities, making sure success isn’t only defined by the Volvos and BMWs in the state, Von Nessen said. A total of 6,261 companies sent products abroad in 2023, and 84% of them were small- and medium-sized companies.

Von Nessen said the last five years have been very disruptive overall, between pandemic repercussions and new tariffs. Manufacturing and logistics were some of the most impacted industries, but Von Nessen said it doesn’t seem to undermine the state’s bullish long-term outlook.

All South Carolina logistics leaders come to the same conclusion for South Carolina’s trade success: transportation infrastructure. Being located on the coast with access to the Charleston Port, railways and highways.

Von Nessen said the workforce training programs in the state’s colleges and universities have been credited as one of the reasons companies are moving into the region. Employees in jobs supported by the exports of goods, which includes 112,000 jobs in the state, are estimated to make 18% above the national average.

Dorothy Weaver, director of marketing and communications for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, said components drawing businesses and employees to the region include a competitive tax and regulatory culture, strong workforce development and training programs, and a focus on economic development, which includes export assistance.

“Industry recruitment has fundamentally changed South Carolina’s economic structure, establishing the state as a hub for world-class, high-value manufacturing,” Weaver said. “This expanded the local supply base into globally competitive firms and created tens of thousands of skilled, high-paying jobs.”

The workforce behind the bustling, modern logistics hub

No matter the uncertainties each year, shipping and trucking are not going anywhere.

Taylor Jackson, president and CEO of Maritime Association of South Carolina, said tariffs do complicate the efficiency of trade from South Carolina, but at the end of the day, shipping isn’t going to stop. Even with increased production costs, squeezed margins and different delays, cars and tires still have to be made and exported.

“It’s kind of that quiet thing where you order something from Amazon and two days later it shows up,” Jackson said. “Not a lot of people really realize the work and the amount of people that are involved to make that seem so seamless,”

Jackson said that following the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of The Maritime Association’s focus has been on education and workforce. For students going into the workforce, logistics provides a lot more travel, financial and flexible schedule opportunities than it did in the past.

“If you walk into a classroom of students and ask if they’ve heard of logistics, not that many raise their hand. But, if you ask if they’ve heard of Amazon, everyone’s hands go up,” Jackson said.

Jason Toombs, general manager of domestic transportation for BW Mitchum Trucking, said 100% of BW Mitchum’s outbound freight comes out of the Lowcountry with routes as far north as Pennsylvania, as far west as Texas and as far south as Florida.

The trucking company operates differently than most. Where most drivers are getting home after three to five weeks, BW Mitchum drivers are often home every two to three days.

BW Mitchum operates private terminals in Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Greer and Wilmington, N.C. Through three divisions — domestic, regional container and local container — about 140 drivers exclusively work with international trade.

Yet the demand for a trucking company like BW Mitchum relies heavily on rates for shipping and availability of drivers.

“It used to be, if you needed 10 drivers, you could advertise and in a couple days you would have 10 drivers. It’s not what it used to be,” Toombs said. “There’s so many trucking companies in the area. You’re competing with so many other people to get good, dependable employees.” The average salary in the maritime industry is higher than the average state salary.

Operating primarily out of the Lowcountry, Toombs said the region is set up for success for local companies such as theirs, even as global headquarters of others make their way into the region.

With population growth comes increased infrastructure projects. Toombs said those types of projects have definitely aided in the continued success of the long-standing trucking company.

“We see growth in the future. If everything falls in line with employees — and rates, of course — I think there is great opportunity for growth in the next five to 10 years, but it’s going to be a process.”

Jackson said she would like to see more innovation come into the maritime business to make the state a Southeast  hub, leaving behind a bit of the “old school” tendencies of the industry.

In the past year or two, Jackson said the maritime industry has gone back to its pre-pandemic operations.

“For a state our size, we definitely punch above our weight,” Jackson said.

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Public transit in the Midlands is moving into a higher gear when it comes to sustainability.

The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has been awarded $15.75 million through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY25-26 Low- or No-Emission Program, thanks to the efforts of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The funding will support The COMET Transit Vehicle Replacement from Diesel to Diesel-Electric Hybrid Project, marking a significant step forward in modernizing the region’s public transit fleet, a news release stated.

The grant will enable The COMET to replace aging diesel buses with state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid vehicles that offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, according to the release. Diesel-electric hybrid buses use both electricity and diesel, the same concept as hybrid automobiles. Bus batteries store energy and recharge when the bus decelerates. When demand for power exceeds battery capacity, the diesel engine provides extra energy, the release stated.

“This substantial federal investment represents a major milestone in our efforts to modernize our fleet and advance environmentally sustainable transit solutions for our community,” said Maurice Pearl, executive director/CEO of The COMET, in the release. “We are grateful to Representative Clyburn, Senator Graham and the Federal Transit Administration for their support in helping us provide cleaner, more efficient service to the residents of the Midlands.”

The hybrid buses require no additional infrastructure beyond The COMET’s existing facilities, allowing for seamless integration into current operations while delivering immediate environmental and operational benefits, the release stated.

This award aligns with The COMET’s ongoing commitment to improving service efficiency, reducing the transit system’s carbon footprint, and providing reliable, sustainable transportation options throughout Richland and eastern Lexington counties, the release stated.

The COMET will provide updates on project implementation and milestones as the fleet replacement program moves forward.

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Santa came early this year for Ashley Phosphate Road and U.S. Highway 78 commuters.  

After its original projection to be completed in February 2026, the Palmetto Commerce Interchange is completed and open to the public as of Nov. 17.  

The $90 million project came to life in 2013 and was fully funded by a 2016 half-cent sales tax. Construction began in August 2023; the project was completed on budget, according to a Charleston County announcement. 

Charleston County said the interchange will reduce travel times, expand access options and improve traffic flow on the Interstate 26 corridor between Ashley Phosphate Road and U.S. Highway 78. The interchange is designed to avoid the residential area alongside the interstate.  

Banks Construction was the general contractor for the interchange, which was designed by Davis & Floyd with construction, engineering and inspection through HDR.  

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The City of Columbia has kicked off a public planning process to improve safety for all roadway users, from more vulnerable users like pedestrians and cyclists, to transit riders and personal and commercial vehicle operators.

This planning process is about how the city can move towards creating a Columbia where everyone can travel they city’s public rights-of-way safely, and that’s the initiative is called Sharing the Road, a news release stated.

The city is asking people to share their concerns and priorities for roadway safety. They can share their perceptions of roadway safety and experiences using Columbia’s transportation network provide critical context to the city’s project team via its online survey.

Click here to fill out the survey.

This comprehensive safety action plan will:

• Result in an official public commitment that establishes a target date to significantly reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
• Identify the City’s High Injury Network through the analysis of crash data and public input.
• Build on prior planning efforts like Walk Bike Columbia and Columbia Compass while focusing specifically on how to improve roadway safety for all users.
• Identify systemic and specific safety needs + priority projects for the city and partner agencies to collaborate on moving forward.
• Align with the USDOT Safe Streets and Roads For All program, which is partially funding this effort. The resulting plan document will also position the city for future potential grant funding.

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The Federal Aviation Administration has granted the city of Orangeburg a $4.39 million grant through the Airport Improvement Programs to rehabilitate existing runway at Orangeburg Municipal Airport.  

The grant was awarded in partnership with U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., and will fund a portion of the final phase of the runway rehabilitation at the airport, according to a news release. 

“We are excited to move forward with the final phase of this airport runway rehabilitation project. This grant represents a major milestone for Orangeburg Municipal Airport and our city’s future economic development opportunities,” Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said in the release. “Ensuring the safety and reliability of our airport not only supports air travel but also strengthens our local economy and positions Orangeburg as a key hub for transportation in the region. Pilots, passengers and the entire community will benefit from a safer, more durable runway for years to come.” 

The project will rehabilitate 5,399 feet of the existing runway as a part of the city’s goal to create more reliable and modern local and regional access way to its airport, the release said.  

“Because of Congressman James Clyburn’s steadfast support and leadership in helping to secure this FAA grant, a beautiful and functional airport runway is on the horizon,” Sidney Evering III, Orangeburg city administrator, said in the release. “We will preserve the history of the airport while incorporating modern improvements that will support the growth and needs of our community.” 

The FAA has supported OGB improvements before similar to the Airport Improvement Project. According to the release, the grant is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds the remnants of the project. 

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Riverstone Logistics, a supply chain and logistics company, is relocating its headquarters and establishing its first South Carolina operation in York County. The company’s $16.4 million investment will create 159 new jobs.

Founded in 2017, Riverstone Logistics specializes in final-mile delivery, freight brokerage and tailored logistics solutions, according to a news release. The company’s services focus primarily on consumer electronics, building materials and appliance installations.

Riverstone Logistics is relocating its corporate headquarters from Charlotte to 220 West White St. in Rock Hill.

“Rock Hill offers the perfect home for our next chapter,” CEO Charlie Workmon said in the release. “This move not only strengthens our business, but also deepens our commitment to love, serve and improve in the community we’re joining. We’re excited to invest in Rock Hill and partner with a city that shares our vision for growth, innovation and opportunity.”

Operations are expected to be online in July 2026. The company is hiring, with job opportunities posted on its careers page.

“We are proud to welcome Riverstone Logistics to York County,” County Council Chair Christi Cox said in the release. “Their decision to relocate their headquarters here speaks to the strength of our community, our workforce, and the county’s history of supporting business investment. This project will attract and retain value-added jobs, creating opportunities that benefit residents and strengthen our local economy.”

Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys said, “I’m happy to welcome Riverstone Logistics to Rock Hill and specifically to The Thread. Riverstone Logistics’ choice to relocate, bringing high-wage jobs to our area, reflects the strength of our workforce, providing further opportunities for talent to work where they live.”

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $600,000 Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“Riverstone Logistics’ relocation to York County reinforces South Carolina’s position as an ideal location for corporate headquarters,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. “This impressive $16.4 million investment will greatly benefit the region, and we are excited to support Riverstone Logistics as it launches its South Carolina legacy.”

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The South Carolina Department of Transportation broke ground on a $825 million Interstate 95 widening and improvement project in the Lowcountry, according to a news release. 

In partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation, the project is intended to accommodate growth in the Lowcountry through improved interchanges and bridges, the release said. The project will also include a new bridge over the Savannah River.  

“People and businesses want to come to South Carolina, and we need the roads to support our momentum,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “Interstates like I-95 are essential to both daily life and long-term economic strength. That’s why we’re making transformative investments in our interstate system statewide to improve safety, ease traffic and support the businesses that move South Carolina forward.” 

According to the release, the project should reduce traffic delays and congestion for both people and goods moving through Interstate 95 and is expected to be completed in 2030. 

“The first 10 miles of the I-95 Widening and Improvements Project is a significant milestone for SCDOT, marking the largest project in our agency’s history,” Justin Powell, South Carolina secretary of transportation, said in the release. “We are excited to begin work on this project alongside our partners at GDOT to make this area of I-95 a better entryway to our great state. This long-awaited project is the embodiment of the goals of our interstate program that looks to improve the capacity and efficiency for the people of South Carolina and its visitors.” 

Click here for more information on the project.

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A first-of-its-kind study has revealed the economic impact of infrastructure investments in South Carolina, which are excepted to generate $56.2 billion in economic output and support more than 45,000 jobs annually across the state over six years.

More than 150 guests gathered at The Palmetto Club recently for the official unveiling of The Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investments in South Carolina, a first-of-its-kind study commissioned by the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina’s Infrastructure Works Institute, according to a news release.

The event featured remarks from leaders from the state’s Department of Transportation, Rural Infrastructure Authority, Department of Environmental Services and the Office of Regulatory Services and a deep dive into data from University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business research economist Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, whose team conducted the study, according to the release.

The newly launched report quantifies how infrastructure investments shape South Carolina’s economic future, detailing the return on investments across transportation, water systems, broadband, and rural utilities, the release stated.

“This study confirms what many of us have long understood intuitively: infrastructure is the backbone of economic opportunity,” said Von Nessen in the release. “From 2021 to 2027, infrastructure investments are projected to generate $56.2 billion in economic output and support more than 45,000 jobs annually across the state.

The study analyzes more than $33 billion in planned infrastructure investments through 2027, including roads and bridges, sewer and stormwater drainage, drinking water system upgrades and expanded broadband access, according to the release.

“These results drive home what we already knew — infrastructure is the heartbeat of our economy and critical to our quality of life here in South Carolina,” said Justin Powell, Secretary of Transportation, in the release. “At SCDOT, we are working hard to improve and expand our road and bridge network and we are proud to be delivering results. Every mile we improve helps families reach jobs, hospitals and schools. And every dollar invested fuels growth in logistics, manufacturing, tourism and more.”

Each data partner at the event emphasized infrastructure’s broader impact on quality of life, particularly in rural areas, the release stated. RIA Executive Director Bonnie Ammons highlighted how water, sewer and stormwater improvements promote community resilience and economic development.

“Investing in rural infrastructure delivers high returns,” Ammons said in the release. “It improves essential services — ensuring every community, regardless of zip code, has the foundation to grow and thrive.”

SCDES Director Myra Reece echoed the theme of resilience, noting that water infrastructure investments are vital to both public health and economic competitiveness.

“Clean, reliable water supports agriculture, industry and everyday life,” Reece said in the release. “This is about long-term prosperity and ensuring that no community is left behind.”

Expanding digital access is also a critical piece of the puzzle. Cedric Keitt, senior director of broadband infrastructure at ORS, outlined the scope of broadband expansion efforts reaching

more than 100,000 underserved locations through private, state and federal investment.

“Broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Keitt in the release. “From telehealth to education, internet access is essential to leveling the playing field. These investments are closing the digital divide.”

Looking beyond short-term impacts, the study projects that infrastructure investments will yield 157,000 permanent new jobs and $16.3 billion in new personal income by 2035, according to the release.

“These numbers go beyond basic economics — they represent generational progress,” said Von Nessen. “With strategic planning and continued investment, South Carolina is poised to become a national model for infrastructure-driven growth.”

“At ACEC-SC, we believe that infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, and that’s what led us to launch the Infrastructure Works Institute. IWI commissioned this study because it’s time to bring real data to the conversation around infrastructure investments,” said Ricky Ward, PE, ACEC-SC IWI president. “As engineers, we rely on evidence to build things that last, and this report does exactly that, by giving decision-makers across South Carolina a clear, data-driven foundation to plan for long-term resilience and prosperity.”

Click here to read the full study.

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