Today, more than 80% of global shipping involves containers. They're packed with everything from personal storage items in dry containers to heavy machinery on flat rack containers. For business owners shipping products, getting a container from point A to point B requires precise planning and high-level tracking. But that's easier said than done when global supply chains become over-congested, leading to loading time issues and delays.
That's bad news for business owners who are already under a massive amount of stress. The truth is that container storage delays can cripple a business, but there's a viable solution: drayage brokers in Charleston, SC like RelyEx. Drayage companies provide unique solutions to minimize demurrage and help ensure the successful delivery of your freight.
With more than 30 combined years of experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx has quickly become the first choice for streamlined, efficient drayage services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's offerings in the global logistics industry, it helps to understand first what drayage is and why it's used.
If you're a seasoned business owner who uses port drayage to transport your products, you know exactly how important the service can be. But if you were to poll a group of random people, you may get five different definitions of the term "drayage." That begs the question, how is one of the most crucial steps in the supply chain and most vital components of global trade such a confusing concept? When you break it down, it's not too difficult to grasp.
Drayage, by definition, means the transportation of freight from an ocean port to another destination. Today, drayage is also used to describe the process of transporting products and goods over short distances or over "the first mile."
While drayage often means short-distance movements during the supply chain process, it's primarily used in the container shipping space. Drayage loads usually have arrival and departure points in the same city and don't include long-haul, national transportation.
Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:
You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.
To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.
Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.
If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.
As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.
But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.
QUOTE REQUESTRelyEx was created because our founders saw a need in the logistics space for more reliability and efficiency. The reality of the shipping and logistics industry is that it has become very transactional. It's an odd evolution, because most businesses seek a third-party logistics partner that is accessible, transparent, and committed to providing solutions.
As the logistics space continues to grow, it creates newfound expenses and complexities. Clients like ours know that and need a supply chain partner who is genuinely interested in their business. By understanding the needs of our customers and carriers, we can provide the most reliable, effective drayage services possible.
Unlike some drayage companies in Charleston, SC, we begin managing your containers before they ever hit the ports by mapping out the most efficient pathways of delivery. That way, our team can discover the best drayage pathways to expedite delivery time and reduce fees that cut into profits.
Our valued drayage customers choose RelyEx because:
At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.
RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:
Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.
When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.
Based in the port city of Charleston, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Customers choose RelyEx because:
Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.
Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.
Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.
Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.
With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.
Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.
As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.
Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.
QUOTE REQUESTBased in the port city of Charleston, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Demurrage is a charge issued by a port, carrier, or railroad company for storing containers that do not load and unload their cargo promptly. Once the daily limit of free time is exceeded, shippers are charged daily demurrage fees until their cargo is shipped. Though different ports have different policies, charges can range from $75 to $150 per container, per day, for a set number of days. Additional demurrage fees are incurred if a shipper exceeds the port's parameters.
Even when shippers maintain a tight schedule for unloading freight, external factors can play an uncontrollable part. Typically, shipping mistakes caused by human error trigger the most demurrage charges. Some of the most common causes of demurrage include:
Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.
If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.
QUOTE REQUESTPaperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.
Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:
At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.
It may seem outrageous to pay $14 for a hot dog, but at Palace Hotel, the most expensive of wieners — the “Get Low-Country,” comes oozing with flavorful house chili, touch-of-spice pimiento cheese and tangy Worcestershire cream, topped with crunchy potato sticks.Or at least it did up until the neighborhood bar at 35 Hanover St., partly owned by “Southern Charm” star Shep Rose, closed ...
It may seem outrageous to pay $14 for a hot dog, but at Palace Hotel, the most expensive of wieners — the “Get Low-Country,” comes oozing with flavorful house chili, touch-of-spice pimiento cheese and tangy Worcestershire cream, topped with crunchy potato sticks.
Or at least it did up until the neighborhood bar at 35 Hanover St., partly owned by “Southern Charm” star Shep Rose, closed its disco ball dreamland interior and boiled peanut-popping patio for good to be replaced by Recovery Room side project Lucky Luchador, an Irish-meets-Mexican-themed bar that has since moved in and taken over.
That wasn’t the end for the Palace Hotel, however. The East Side institution vowed to relocate and reopen. Now, it has, at 525 Meeting St., and its famed “Get Low-Country” hot dog, plus most of the original menu, is back.
The new Palace Hotel maintained chef Joseph “Joe P” Singleton, who serves up carried-over menu items, from the “El Jefe Perro” with Mexican street corn and queso fresco to the vegetarian “Carrot Dog.” He also makes drunken dive bar soaker-uppers such as the Thunderguards Sandwich, with a beef patty or fried chicken breast stacked with jalapeño bacon, and the gooey 3-Cheese Grilled Cheese, served with a pickle.
Now, he’s also joined by executive chef Curt Hickens, who has formerly worked as a chef in Las Vegas and Miami. Hickens brought in new menu items, like the Lobster Corndog, starring hand-breaded fried lobster tails, lemon aioli and slaw.
“We wanted to add to the menu but keep the staples,” said Palace Hotel part-owner Robbie Marty, who also has a stake in dance floor speakeasy The Commodore. “So many people go in excited to order an El Jefe, boiled peanuts and a High Life pony.”
The bar’s signature tiny beers sit stacked in their own fridge behind the counter. To their left, the old 35 Hanover door is propped up against the wall.
The plans are for this door to open up to an optic illusion that makes it seem as if you’re gazing into the old location, with its dark wood booths and animal skull wall mounts, said another co-owner, Taylor Grant, who is largely behind the vision of the new space.
Those animal skulls make their way onto the new Palace’s walls in ode, along with the former porch’s pastel chairs, which are now pops of pink and yellow inside the much larger space, as well as seating for the expansive outdoor patio.
A signature striped wall and graffiti wall carry on throughout, in addition to neon touches, like pink and purple window smolders, a psychedelic display framing a funhouse mirror, a glowing pink flamingo statuette and color-changing uplights in the restroom that draw your attention to the jungle-themed wallpaper dotted with creeping tigers. That’s not to mention the central disco ball casting glittering dots across the exposed wood beam ceilings.
All in all, though the spacious new locale is different from its cozy neighborhood predecessor, familiar touches and an overarching chill vibe carry the torch onward.
“What I hope people get out of the new space is obviously a feeling that connects them to the original Palace, but with a newer look,” said Grant. “To still be a neighborhood bar but for all of Charleston’s neighborhoods.”
And keeping many of the staff members, like Joe P in the kitchen, certainly helps to tie the two places together. It’s family, said Grant; that’s what makes it the Palace Hotel.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., March 27, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Professional Tennis Player Madison Keys and her Kindness Wins foundation to reveal renovated tennis courts in North Charleston ahead of the 2023 Credit One Charleston Open. After the unveiling, youth in attendance will participate in a tennis clinic before a Q&A with Madison. All media are cordially invited to the unveiling of the courts on April 3, 2023 from 4-5 p.m. EDT at the JV Morris Tennis Cen...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., March 27, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Professional Tennis Player Madison Keys and her Kindness Wins foundation to reveal renovated tennis courts in North Charleston ahead of the 2023 Credit One Charleston Open. After the unveiling, youth in attendance will participate in a tennis clinic before a Q&A with Madison. All media are cordially invited to the unveiling of the courts on April 3, 2023 from 4-5 p.m. EDT at the JV Morris Tennis Center at 103 North Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29405.
Photo Caption: Professional Tennis Player Madison Keys.
Last September, 2019 Charleston Open Champion Madison Keys and her foundation Kindness Wins held a social media fundraiser on its annual “Kindness Wins Day” to raise money for community courts in need. With donations from the Credit One Charleston Open, WTA Charities, her fellow tennis champions and fans around the world, Madison decided she wanted to use funds to give back to the community of Charleston, a city she holds close to her heart.
This first project is being done in partnership with the USTA South Carolina, who regularly use the four courts at the JV Morris Tennis Center to provide tennis clinics to underserved youth in the North Charleston area. The city has recently renovated two of the four courts and will unveil the Kindness Wins Courts to continue the mission of getting more youth in the community involved in tennis.
ABOUT KINDNESS WINS:
Founded in 2020 by Madison Keys, Kindness Wins is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting kindness to youth, kindness to self and kindness to others in times of struggle. The foundation supports youth access to sports, education and their own desires to make a difference and create a kinder world
For more information, visit https://www.kindnesswins.org/ or Facebook (https://facebook.com/KindnessWinsFoundation), Twitter (@KindnessWinsFdn), and Instagram (@KindnessWinsFoundation).
ABOUT MADISON KEYS:
Madison Keys is a Grand Slam finalist (2017 US Open), three-time Grand Slam semifinalist (2022 Australian Open, 2018 Roland Garros and 2015 Australian Open), and holds six WTA titles. She achieved a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world and claimed the Charleston Open title in 2019, also receiving a key to the city.
ABOUT USTA SOUTH CAROLINA:
USTA South Carolina is the state branch of the United States Tennis Association and is in one of nine states that comprise the USTA Southern Section. A not-for-profit organization with more than 22,000 members, USTA South Carolina offers a variety of tennis programs and services for all ages and abilities to “promote and develop the growth of tennis” across South Carolina. For more information, visit https://sctennis.com/ or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sctennis), Twitter (@ustasc) or Instagram (@ustasouthcarolina).
News Source: Kindness Wins
$2.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs and expand South Carolina footprint COLUMBIA, S.C. – Patten Seed Company, one of the largest turfgrass producers in the Southeast, today announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Charleston County. The company’s $2.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.Expanding its South Carolina footprint, Patten Seed Company will relocate its corporate headquarters from Lakeland, Georgia to an existing facility at 22 W...
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Patten Seed Company, one of the largest turfgrass producers in the Southeast, today announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Charleston County. The company’s $2.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
Expanding its South Carolina footprint, Patten Seed Company will relocate its corporate headquarters from Lakeland, Georgia to an existing facility at 22 Westedge Street in Charleston. The new headquarters will centralize the company’s senior management team and create a marketing and technology hub. Additionally, the relocation, which is central to Patten Seed Company’s current Southeast operations, positions the company to take advantage of the area’s robust talent pool as it transitions from an agriculture-centered company to a vertically integrated, industry leader.
Patten Seed Company is a 100-year-old company deploying the same forward-thinking initiatives today that took a small seed store in southern Georgia to the largest turfgrass producer in the Southeast. The company operates one of its largest farming operations in Orangeburg, working with farms and facilities across the southeastern United States to ensure its products are fresh and readily available to landscapers and homeowners. Patten Seed Company also has a new retail location in North Charleston that offers its Super-Sodâ turfgrass brand and its extensive portfolio of innovative farm products, including two of the company’s fastest growing products, OMRI Listed Soil3 organic compost and Soil3 Veggie Mix.
Operations are expected to be online by the first quarter of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Patten Seed Company team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
QUOTES
“Charleston County is central to our current footprint throughout the southeastern United States. As we continue to grow, it was important to centralize the senior management team and take advantage of a more robust hiring market and Charleston County fits that need well. Vibrant companies need vibrant cities.” -Patten Seed Company Chief Executive Officer Ben Copeland Jr.
“We are pleased that Patten Seed Company will relocate its headquarters to Charleston County. South Carolina continues to attract innovative companies that expand our agribusiness industry, and Patten Seed Company will add to that roster. We look forward to their continued success in South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“It’s great when an agribusiness such as Patten Seed Company decides to plant more roots in South Carolina. We welcome Patten Seed Company to Charleston County’s vibrant business environment and look forward to the company’s success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Patten Seed Company’s new headquarters operation is a fantastic addition to South Carolina’s thriving agribusiness community. With its rich history and regional reach, Patten Seed Company will contribute jobs, support existing farmers and strengthen our economy.” -South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers
“With a $2.2 million investment and the creation of 40 new jobs, Patten Seed Company remains a leading player in the turfgrass industry. Patten Seed Company's forward-thinking initiatives continue to pave the way for success and prosperity, and we welcome them to their new home in Charleston County.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III
FIVE FAST FACTS
We’re following up on our new and coming soon businesses story with a guide to development terminology. Check out these definitions of common terms paired with ongoing projects and examples you might recognize in the Holy City.These are projects that provide more than one purpose in the community, like a building with apartments on top and shops on the bottom. Expect to...
We’re following up on our new and coming soon businesses story with a guide to development terminology. Check out these definitions of common terms paired with ongoing projects and examples you might recognize in the Holy City.
These are projects that provide more than one purpose in the community, like a building with apartments on top and shops on the bottom. Expect to see combinations of housing and commercial components.
Think: Proposed plans for the Union Pier redevelopment, which feature a mixed-use neighborhood with housing, hotel rooms, civic spaces, and public parks. Check out the Master Plan.
This changes an area of land from the city’s designated use. Examples of rezoning requests include developers looking to build a high-rise in a neighborhood with a height restriction or open a business in an area marked residential.
Think: Zoning changes approved by the City of Charleston Planning Commission for a proposed luxury hotel on Meeting Street where the Days Inn used to be. (The Post and Courier)
PUD stands for Planned Unit Development, or land planned and developed according to an approved master plan. Developers work with local government to determine how the land will be used.
Think: Union Pier, again. The project’s PUD application is currently being reviewed by the city. The approval process includes review by the Technical Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council.
Opportunity Zones are a federal program in South Carolina that encourage private investments in low-income communities through tax incentives, bringing jobs and economic development to these areas.
Example: Use this map to search Opportunity Zones in South Carolina.
This type of path is separate from vehicular traffic and may be used by pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, joggers, and other non-motorized users.
Think: A county project is underway on James Island to build a 10-ft-wide multi-use path along Riverland Drive to the Lowcountry Senior Center, with work set to continue through September.
This is a building made for and occupied by one family. They can be attached, meaning they share a wall or walls with another one-family dwelling, or detached, meaning they are freestanding.
Example: Row houses on the peninsula are one-family attached dwellings.
This is a building that contains multiple housing units.
Think: Apartment buildings and residential condominiums.
Principal use is the primary or predominant function of a property.
Example: Living in a home within a residential zone is the principal use.
This is the use of a property that is subordinate or incidental to the principal use.
Example: The garage or shed on your home property may be labeled an accessory use.
The city of Charleston was founded in 1670 and was established as Charles Town after King Charles II of England. Now that 350+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Charleston’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this g...
The city of Charleston was founded in 1670 and was established as Charles Town after King Charles II of England. Now that 350+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.
It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Charleston’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Charleston’s streets — specifically how they were named.
The Lower Peninsula, generally located below Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston, is brimming with historic homes, restaurants, theaters, and coffee shops.
Queen Street — Originally called Dock Street, this road was later renamed Queen Street after Caroline of Ansbach, the wife of King George II of Great Britain.
Broad Street — Broad Street was previously called Cooper Street after Anthony Ashley Cooper, a lord proprietor, but was renamed when locals started talking about the town’s new “broad” street.
Chalmers Street — Chalmers Alley, named after colonial physician Dr. Lionel Chalmers, merged with Beresford Alley and together became Chalmers Street.
Beaufain Street — Beaufain Street got its name from French Huguenot Hector Berenger de Beaufain. Beaufain moved to SC in 1735 and became one of the founders of Charleston Library Society.
Magazine Street — Magazine Street was named after powder magazines built in the area in the 1700s.
The Upper Peninsula, generally located north of the Septima Clark Parkway in downtown Charleston, is home to neighborhoods, breweries, and shopping.
Huger Street — Huger Street is named after Isaac Huger, a veteran of the Cherokee War and American Revolutionary War, who served as the first federal marshal for SC.
Septima P. Clark Parkway — The parkway was named after civil rights leader and educator Septima P. Clark, who was born in Charleston. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called her the “Mother of the Movement.”
Rutledge Avenue — This road runs through the lower and upper peninsula. It was named after John Rutledge, who served as governor of SC and Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Read more about John Rutledge.
Line Street — Line Street’s name comes from the War of 1812, when American soldiers created a line of fortifications in the area.
King Street — King Street, which also runs through the upper and lower parts of downtown, was named after King Charles II of England. The street was previously known as the Broad Path, the High Way, and the Broad Road.
Old Village Historic District
This area of Mount Pleasant is bounded by Shem Creek to the north, Whilden Street to the east, the old bridge and marshland to the south, and the Charleston Harbor to the west.
Haddrell Street — Haddrell Street, along with Haddrell’s Point, was named after early settler George Haddrell.
Mill Street — This street was named after a rice and saw mill that was built by Jonathan Lucas on Shem Creek.
Ferry Street — A ferry service located at the end of this street operated between Charleston and Mount Pleasant before there was a bridge.
Beach Street — This thoroughfare in the Old Village used to run along a beach. The area is now covered in marsh grass.
Pitt Street — Pitt Street got its name from Sir William Pitt, who served as the Prime Minister of England.