Shipping ports play a major role in global trade, connecting nations and facilitating the flow of goods across continents. According to the latest Economic Contribution Report by The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), U.S. ports contribute nearly $2.59 trillion to the national GDP, supporting 1 in every 8 American jobs. 

These staggering figures highlight the critical role ports play in the U.S. economy, from driving trade to creating employment opportunities. 

In this blog, you will learn about the top 10 busiest shipping ports in the U.S. with their key features and trade volumes.

Top 10 Shipping Ports in the United States

Busiest shipping ports in the U.S. are ranked by the U.S. Department of Transportation using a standard unit of measurement called TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). TEUs represent the capacity of 20-foot containers, with larger 40-foot containers counting as two TEUs. This standardized measurement allows for consistent comparison across ports.

Let’s explore the top 10 shipping ports in the U.S. based on TEU traffic, along with their key features and their contributions towards the economy and international trade. 

1. Port of Los Angeles, California

Often referred to as America’s Port, the Port of Los Angeles is a key entry point for international trade and holds the distinction of being the busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere. Located in San Pedro Bay, it spans 7,500 acres, with 43 miles of waterfront. 

The port operates seven container terminals and features extensive intermodal connectivity, including the Alameda Corridor—a 20-mile dedicated railway to downtown Los Angeles rail hubs.

Key Highlights:

• Annual Cargo Volume: Handles over 9 million TEUs, making it the largest container port in the United States.
• Real-Time Data Tools: Offers the Cargo Operations Dashboard, providing live updates on truck activity, vessel locations, and other cargo movement metrics.
• Rail Infrastructure: Boasts six intermodal rail yards, ensuring efficient cargo transport across the country

2. Port of Long Beach, California

Situated next to the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach is a key gateway for trans-Pacific trade in the United States. Renowned for its diversity in handling containerized cargo, the port supports efficient import and export operations across its various terminals. Long Beach has also adopted sustainable practices, investing in zero-emission equipment and technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.

Key Highlights:

• Landlord Port Model: Operates as a landlord port, leasing its facilities to private terminal operators who oversee daily cargo operations.
• Economic Impact: Facilitates trade worth $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs nationwide.
• Global Reach: Hosts 175 shipping lines with direct connections to 217 seaports worldwide.

3. Port of New York and New Jersey

As the largest containerized cargo port on the East Coast, the Port of New York and New Jersey operates across six terminals and public berths. Equipped to accommodate the world’s largest container vessels, the port is a vital hub for international trade. It works closely with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to streamline import and export processes.

Key Highlights:

• Competitive Advantage: Receives 72% of first port-of-calls for East Coast-bound ships and provides quicker access to goods for consumers.
• Strategic Market Access: Serves as the gateway to the largest consumer market in North America.
• Sustainability Commitment: Participates in the World Port Sustainability Program, integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations.

4. Port of Savannah, Georgia

The Port of Savannah is home to the largest single-terminal container facility in North America, spanning over 1,300 acres. Strategically positioned as the most westerly port on the Atlantic seaboard, it provides shorter transit times to major inland markets in the southeastern U.S. The port also benefits from direct access to key highways like I-95, I-16, and on-terminal rail facilities.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Contribution: Generates more than $140 billion in revenue and over $33 billion in income annually for the state of Georgia.
• Ocean Terminal: The port is undergoing upgrades to accommodate two large container ships simultaneously, enhancing its capacity and productivity.
• Deepwater Access: Features two modern deepwater terminals to ensure smooth operations for large vessels and high cargo volumes.

5. Port of Virginia, VA

Located on the East Coast, the Port of Virginia facilitates seamless transportation with direct access to major inland and mid-west markets. Its deepwater channels and ongoing dredging projects allow it to accommodate the largest container vessels. The port also boasts outstanding multimodal connectivity, ensuring efficient cargo movement across various transportation networks.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Reach: Enables delivery to 75% of the U.S. population within 2 days.
• Norfolk International Terminals: It is the largest terminal at the port, with plans to operate over 90 semi-automated cranes.
• Economic Impact: Supports 1.29 million U.S. jobs, contributing significantly to the national economy.

6. Port of Houston, Texas

Port Houston is a key hub for containerized cargo in the Gulf Coast region, supported by two state-of-the-art terminals: Bayport Container Terminal and Barbours Cut Container Terminal. The port’s extensive highway network and on-site rail connections ensure efficient inland transportation, making it a major trucking hub in the U.S.

Key Highlights:

• Landside Investments: This port is Investing $1.7 billion over the next five years to enhance infrastructure and better serve customers.
• Highway Connectivity: Benefits from Houston’s extensive highway network, ensuring smooth container movement inland.
• On-Site Rail Access: Provides seamless cargo transfers with on-site rail connections.

7. Port of Charleston, South Carolina

The infrastructure and facilities at the Port of Charleston reflect the substantial investments over the years. The port’s container operations are spread across multiple state-of-the-art terminals, including the newly operational Hugh Leatherman Terminal.

Key Highlights:

• Growth Leader: Recognized as the fastest-growing container port in the U.S.
• Harbor Deepening Project: This project was completed in 2021 and allows the port to accommodate all post-Panamax vessels at any time.
• Terminal Network: Includes key facilities like North Charleston Terminal, Hugh Leatherman Terminal, and Wando Welch Terminal.

8. Port of Oakland, California

The Port of Oakland is among the four largest Pacific Coast ports for container cargo, alongside Los Angeles, Long Beach, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle-Tacoma). With facilities designed to accommodate ships carrying up to 14,000 containers, Oakland is well-equipped to handle even greater volumes with minor adjustments.

Key Highlights:

• Intermodal Connectivity: Introduced an intermodal container handling system in 2002, enhancing its capacity and competitiveness in the West Coast freight market.
• Containerized Goods: Handles over 99% of Northern California’s containerized goods, making it a critical logistics hub for the region.
• California’s Contribution: Along with Los Angeles and Long Beach, California’s ports handle approximately 50% of the nation’s total container cargo volume.

9. Port of Tacoma, Washington

Established in 1918, the Port of Tacoma is the foundation of economic growth in Pierce County, contributing nearly $3 billion in economic activity. The port supports over 42,100 jobs locally. Situated on Commencement Bay in South Puget Sound, its naturally deep waters make it a vital gateway for international trade.

Key Highlights:

• International Trade: Directs more than 70% of its international cargo to Asia and the eastern U.S.
• Alaska Trade: Handles approximately 80% of marine cargo traffic between Alaska and the Lower 48 States.
• Sustainability Programs: Implements initiatives to reduce emissions and promote environmentally responsible cargo handling.

10. Port of Seattle, Washington

Established in 1911, the Port of Seattle operates as a special-purpose government entity focused on promoting economic opportunities, equitable growth, and environmental responsibility. The port plays a crucial role in advancing trade, travel, and commerce, contributing to regional job creation with a vision to add 100,000 jobs.

Key highlights:

• Collaborative Management: Operates under the Northwest Seaport Alliance, which strengthens regional container handling capabilities.
• High TEU Traffic: Handles millions of TEUs annually across several well-equipped terminals.
• Sustainability Focus: Implements initiatives to reduce environmental impact while maintaining economic productivity.

Identifying the busiest shipping ports offers valuable insight, but have you considered what makes them so efficient and crucial to global trade? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Factors to Define Major Shipping Ports

Several key factors determine which port is better for container handling and logistics. These elements help distinguish the busiest and most efficient ports in the United States.

• Strategic Location: Ports near major trade routes, like the West Coast for Asia-Pacific trade or the East Coast for Europe, handle higher cargo volumes and reduce transit times.
• Advanced Infrastructure: Ports with modern equipment, deepwater docks, and technologies like automated container tracking, freight tracking software, and global container monitoring significantly enhance operational efficiency.
• Intermodal Connectivity: Seamless links to rail, road, and waterways improve cargo movement. This enhances supply chain visibility and reduces transportation costs.
• Customs and Regulations: Streamlined customs processes coupled with shipment-tracking APIs, minimize delays and ensure compliance with international trade standards.
• TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) Capacity: A high TEU capacity signifies the port’s ability to manage massive cargo volumes efficiently, making it a key metric of a port’s success.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shipping port requires evaluating key factors like location, infrastructure, intermodal connectivity, and sustainability initiatives. Whether you prioritize advanced container tracking APIs or eco-friendly logistics practices, these ports offer the major facilities for shipment.

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