SC Inland Port Dillon Sets Record: 33% Rail Move Surge Fueled by Soy

Inland Port Dillon hits a record with a 33% surge in rail moves, handling nearly 49,000 containers. This boosts soybean exports, proving the inland port model’s effectiveness.

SC Inland Port Dillon Sets Record: 33% Rail Move Surge Fueled by Soy
January 22, 2026 7:39 am
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • South Carolina’s Inland Port Dillon set a new annual record, handling 48,761 rail container moves in 2025.
  • The volume represents a 33% year-over-year increase, driven by a state-led initiative that boosted soybean exports.
  • The performance showcases the inland port model’s effectiveness in connecting regional producers to global markets via rail, mitigating local economic disruptions.

DILLON, SC – South Carolina Ports’ Inland Port Dillon processed a record 48,761 rail container moves in 2025, a 33% increase from the previous year. The growth was primarily fueled by a surge in agricultural exports after SC Ports and the state’s Department of Agriculture created new international market access for soybean farmers. This regional success aligns with a broader national trend of rising intermodal volumes, as reported by the Association of American Railroads for early 2026.

CategorySpecification / Detail
FacilitySC Ports’ Inland Port Dillon
2025 Rail Moves48,761 Containers
YoY Growth (2024-2025)+33%
Primary Growth DriverSoybean Exports (+35% in July-Aug 2025)
Key StakeholdersSC Ports, SC Dept. of Agriculture, CSX
Exclusive Rail ProviderCSX

Operational & Technical Details

The record volume at Inland Port Dillon is a direct result of a public-private partnership. The collaboration between SC Ports, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, and other stakeholders was a rapid response to a domestic plant closure. This initiative successfully exported an additional 1.2 million bushels of soybeans. The program’s impact was immediate, boosting soybean exports through the facility by 35% in July and August 2025 alone. CSX provides the dedicated rail service connecting the inland terminal to the marine container terminals at the Port of Charleston.

Market Impact Analysis

Inland Port Dillon’s performance validates the inland port strategy for extending a coastal port’s reach and cargo base. By establishing a reliable rail-served hub, SC Ports has effectively captured agricultural exports that might otherwise be uncompetitive on global markets. This model directly supports the state’s agricultural sector, providing a logistics solution that enhances supply chain resilience against domestic disruptions. The strategy mirrors efforts at larger U.S. gateways like the Port of Long Beach, which increasingly relies on rail to move containers to and from inland markets to improve efficiency and handle future growth.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on this project’s history, here’s a look back at the initial announcement.

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FAQ: Quick Facts

What drove the record volume at Inland Port Dillon?

A 33% year-over-year increase in rail container moves, primarily from a surge in soybean exports. This followed a new partnership between state agencies, SC Ports, and farmers to access new international markets.

Which railroad serves Inland Port Dillon?

CSX provides the exclusive rail service connecting Inland Port Dillon to the marine terminals at the Port of Charleston.