SC Ports moved 124,963 pier containers, accounting for containers of any size, in September, up 10 per cent over the same month last year. SC Ports handled 367,846 pier containers fiscal year to date.

In a statement, SC Ports attributed the growth to consumer demand. Loaded imports were up 16 per cent year over year.

"We have invested in capacity to efficiently handle the cargo flowing into the Southeast port market," SC Ports president and CEO Barbara Melvin said. "Our modern port infrastructure, along with our skilled team and maritime partners, delivers much-needed fluidity to the East Coast."

Real-time supply chain solutions have provided relief for shippers in today's challenging environment.

To quickly work vessels, SC Ports offers an express lane for vessels with 1,000 moves or less and prioritizes vessels with balanced imports and exports. Hiring more than 150 people in operations and deploying new ship-to-shore cranes further supports berth productivity.

SC Ports also offers a 7-day export receiving window that locks in 11 days before a vessel's arrival, providing much-needed stability and reliability for exporters.

"Our talented port team and maritime community are proactively responding to supply chain challenges," Ms Melvin said. "We are boldly investing in our people, operations and infrastructure to keep freight moving for our customers."