PhilaPort officially opened its first Terminal in over 45 years. The $110 million 155-acre Southport Auto Terminal and Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) was opened with a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting this morning. Governor Tom Wolf along with the facilities operator Glovis America’s CEO and Head of Americas of Hyundai Glovis JinWoo Jeong cut the ribbon marking completion of construction and the opening of the state-of-the-art VPC.

Glovis America will process over 200,000 Hyundai, Kia and other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles this year. “Pennsylvania needs a top tier Port facility to compete in global markets,” said Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort Executive Director and CEO. “This new facility the best of its kind on the East Coast.”
The new 108, 000 ft2 VPC at Southport is equipped with a state-of-the-art body shop including two car washes with two double prep stations and two joined double paint booths. Specialty heated floors – To assist productivity in winter weather conditions. The VPC at Southport is capable of servicing 200 cars per hour and fully processing over 1,000 cars daily.
Many of the unique features of this site are not found in other Ports. Southport was built as one continuous facility, located directly adjacent to PhilaPort’s Pier 122 – a dedicated auto berth. This layout allows autos to be discharged from the vessel and driven straight to the first point of rest, located on the same terminal. The facility is also the only one of its kind on the East Coast built above the 100-year floodplain. Southport is located at a unique nexus of deep-water and highways and is serviced by two class I railroads – CSX and NS, with additional service by CN.
“The new vehicle processing center is just one step in my Port Development Plan, which is generating long-lasting economic growth in southeastern Pennsylvania by making Philadelphia the best place to ship and receive goods on the East Coast,” said Governor Wolf. “This terminal alone will stimulate an estimated $124 million in economic activity, as well as create as many as 2,500 good, family-sustaining jobs.”

Southport Auto Terminal details
• The new purpose-built Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is the best and most efficient facility on the East Coast.
• The facility is the result of Governor Wolf’s $300 million Port Development Plan.
• The cost of new facility is $110 million of Commonwealth capital funding.
• Official opening October 29, 2019. Event will commence with ribbon cutting ceremony by Governor Wolf and state and local dignitaries.
• The first port terminal built in Philadelphia in over 45 years.
• The total size of the Southport Auto Terminal 155 acres.
• One continuous parcel directly adjacent to vessel berth Pier 122, dedicated to autos.
• Facility was raised with over 400,000 yd.3 of fill (approx. 4.5 feet) elevating the land above the 100-year flood plain.
• Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) at Southport Auto Terminal facility
o 108,000 ft.2
o Two car washes, able to service 200 cars per hour
o VPC capable of processing over 1,000 cars per day
*An additional 600 cars can be processed per day at 98 Annex.
o Specialty heated floors – To assist productivity in winter weather conditions
o State-of-the-art body shop with two double prep stations and two joined double paint booths.
• Directly adjacent to two Class I rail carriers, NS and CSX; with additional service by CN.
• Enough space for over 350,000 autos per year.
• The current volume is 200,000 autos per year; Average of 17,000 cars processed per month.
o Current customers: Hyundai and Kia
• Current operating hours are 7am – 3:30 pm; Has capabilities of 24/7 operations
• Capable of accommodating 24,000 cars at any one time.
• 2020 will mark the 10-year partnership between PhilaPort, DVR, and Glovis.
• Glovis is a third-party logistic provider for the Hyundai Auto Group.
• Approximately 110 ship calls per year.