Posted on July 24, 2024
Imagine a major highway with poorly timed traffic lights. Everything slows down, causing delays and frustration. Ports in the United States are like those highways, and excellent container cargo operations are like well-timed traffic lights. They keep everything moving smoothly and efficiently.
This is important beyond port terminals because they are major economic hubs, handling a massive amount of cargo coming in and out, feeding the country’s consumer goods and industrial needs. Efficient operations ensure a smooth flow of goods, which keeps businesses running and shelves stocked. Delays at ports can disrupt supply chains and lead to price hikes for consumers.
Efficient port operations are also important beyond U.S. borders as the nation competes with other countries for international trade. Ports with fast turnaround times make the U.S. a more attractive destination for shippers. This translates to more revenue and jobs in the U.S. economy.
When it comes to gauging the top U.S. ports in the container sector, we must look at total twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled. Based on the size of a standard 20-foot long shipping container, a TEU is the standard unit used to measure the capacity of vessels and terminals. One 20-foot container is equal to one TEU and large 40-foot containers are counted as two TEUs.
Do you know who uses TEUs to determine the busiest container ports in the U.S.? None other than the U.S. Department of Transportation, whose 2024 Port Performance Freight Statistics Program Annual Report to Congress includes a list of the Top 25 Container Ports ranked by TEU. That list follows with Global Trade’s own analysis of why each port made the cut.
1. PORT OF LOS ANGELES, CA
The busiest container port in the U.S. processes a massive amount of containers, moving more than 9 million TEUs annually. The operation is divided among seven major container terminals, each equipped to handle the loading and unloading of container ships. The Cargo Operations Dashboard web portal provides real-time data on various aspects of cargo movement, such as truck activity at terminals and vessel locations. For moving containers inland, the port connects to a vast rail network with six intermodal rail yards, a key route being the Alameda Corridor, a 20-mile express railway that zips containers directly to rail hubs in downtown L.A.
2. PORT OF LONG BEACH, CA
L.A.’s sister container cargo powerhouse also handles millions of TEUs annually. Unlike some ports that directly manage cargo movement, Long Beach operates as a “landlord port,” with private terminal operators performing the day-to-day operations of loading and unloading container ships at various terminals. The port caters to a diverse range of containerized cargo, with terminals specializing in different goods. This allows them to handle a wider range of imports and exports efficiently. The POLB is at the forefront of adopting sustainable practices, having implemented zero-emission cargo handling equipment like electric yard tractors, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
3. PORT OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, NY & NJ
The largest containerized cargo port on the East Coast boasts a vast operation spread across six terminals and public berths, equipped to handle the world’s biggest container vessels. Like other major ports, NY/NJ prioritizes efficient cargo movement. Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) play a crucial role, offering services like consolidation (combining smaller shipments into full containers) and deconsolidation (separating a full container into individual shipments) to streamline the import and export process. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey participates in the World Port Sustainability Program, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally conscious practices alongside the cargo handling operations.
4. PORT OF SAVANNAH, GA
Savannah boasts the largest single-terminal container facility in North America, covering over 1,300 acres and equipped to move millions of tons of containerized cargo annually. The port is well-equipped with 42 container cranes (with a target of 42 by 2028) and more than150 rubber-tired gantry cranes to handle the loading and unloading of containers swiftly. Savannah offers direct access to major highways (I-95 and I-16) and on-terminal rail facilities ensure seamless cargo movement. As the most westerly port on the Atlantic seaboard, Savannah offers shorter transit times for cargo destined for major inland markets in the southeastern United States.
5. PORT OF VIRGINIA, VA
Another major force in containerized cargo handling on the East Coast, Virginia has seen significant growth in recent years, with a focus on expansion and efficiency. They recently completed a $750 million expansion project that increased cargo capacity by 46 percent. Thanks to its deepwater channels and ongoing dredging projects, the port can accommodate the largest container vessels currently operating. The port utilizes semi-automated container terminals with advanced cranes to expedite cargo handling. Norfolk International Terminals is the largest terminal and will boast more than 90 semi-automated cranes upon completion of its expansion. The port offers excellent multimodal connections.
6. PORT HOUSTON, TX
The port boasts two state-of-the-art container terminals: the Bayport Container Terminal and the Barbours Cut Container Terminal. These facilities are equipped to handle the modern giants of container shipping efficiently. Port Houston is investing $750 million over five years (through 2027) to upgrade the Bayport Container Terminal’s infrastructure and capabilities—a commitment to handling more containers and larger vessels in the future. Houston’s extensive highway network and role as a major trucking hub in the U.S. contribute to the efficient movement of containers inland after they are offloaded from ships. The port also offers on-site rail connections for seamless cargo movement.
7. PORT OF CHARLESTON, SC
Charleston has seen significant growth in recent years, becoming the fastest-growing container port in the U.S. Major investments are being made to handle the largest container vessels. The Charleston Harbor deepening project, completed in 2021, allows the port to accommodate all post-Panamax ships (the biggest ones!) 24/7, boosting its competitiveness. The port’s container operations are spread across several terminals, including the North Charleston Terminal, the Wando Welch Terminal and the recently opened Hugh Leatherman Terminal. The South Carolina Ports Authority offers various tools like GO!Port, a system for tracking and tracing container cargo, providing real-time data and enhancing supply-chain visibility.
8. PORT OF OAKLAND, CA
Oakland has seen steady growth in container traffic, with a particular surge in imports in recent years. Terminals are equipped to handle this increasing volume efficiently. The port has strategically invested in infrastructure to accommodate the giants of the sea. Oakland routinely receives calls from ships with capacity for 14,000 containers and can handle even larger vessels with the necessary adjustments. Oakland prioritizes swift cargo movement. They boast some of the highest ship-to-shore crane productivity rates on the West Coast, meaning they can load and unload containers quickly.
9. PORT OF TACOMA, WA
Among the largest deepwater ports in America, Tacoma is situated on Commencement Bay in Puget Sound, making it geographically well-positioned. The port serves as a vital gateway for cargo moving between Asia and the eastern U.S., with more than 70% of its international cargo directed toward these regions. Additionally, Tacoma handles around 80% of the marine cargo between Alaska and the Lower 48 States. Various sustainability programs are in place to reduce emissions from port operations and promote environmentally responsible cargo handling practices.
10. PORT OF SEATTLE, WA
The Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle are managed by the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a collaboration that strengthens their overall container handling capabilities. The Port of Seattle handles millions of TEUs annually across several terminals. Efficiency is a priority there, with trucks and on-site rail connections ensuring swift movement inland. Sustainability efforts are also in place to balance economic activity with environmental responsibility.
11. PORT OF JACKSONVILLE, FL
JAXPORT, as the port’s authority and the port itself are known, ranks first among Florida’s ports for containers. The Dames Point Terminal efficiently handles millions of TEUs with connections to major highways and on-dock rail for seamless cargo movement throughout the U.S. Southeast.
12. PORTMIAMI, FL
Known mostly for cruise ships, PortMiami handles containers, too. Cargo moves efficiently through its container terminal with connections to highways and rail for regional distribution.
13. PORT OF SAN JUAN, PR
Puerto Rico’s main port prioritizes container cargo. Three major shipping lines call there, utilizing a “carousel” crane system to efficiently load and unload containers destined for or arriving from the U.S. mainland.
14. HONOLULU HARBOR, HI
The O’ahu facilities not only handle container cargo, they recently expanded their container terminal capacity by 40% to handle increasing volumes and improve efficiency for island trade.
15. PORT OF BALTIMORE, MD
Baltimore boasts the No. 1 container terminal on the East Coast (Seagirt Marine Terminal) with super-post-Panamax cranes and swift container handling. They handle millions of TEUs annually.
16. PORT EVERGLADES, FL
The port has a reputation for efficiently moving millions of TEUs with quick ship turnaround and connections to highways and rail.
17. PORT OF PHILADELPHIA, PA
PhilaPort’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal is the main hub for container cargo, with rail and highway connections for efficient inland transport.
18. PORT OF MOBILE, AL
Mobile boasts fast ship turnaround with 35 container lifts per hour and 45-minute truck wait times.
19. PORT OF ALASKA, AK
Alaska’s main cargo handler in Anchorage sees twice-weekly container ships delivering essential goods for most of the state.
20. PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, LA
New Orleans’ Napoleon Avenue Terminal handles more than 600,000 TEUs annually with cranes for mega-ships up to 10,000 TEUs.
21. PORT OF WILMINGTON, NC
The North Carolina port efficiently handles containers with seven cranes, including neo-Panamax models for large ships, offering easy access to highways for distribution.
22. PORT OF WILMINGTON, DE
The Delaware port boasts a 500,000 TEU annual capacity with four gantry cranes and efficient rail connections for onward transport.
23. PORT OF PALM BEACH DISTRICT, FL
Florida’s fourth busiest container port handles more than 290,000 TEUs with 24/7 on-dock rail for smooth container movement.
24. SOUTH JERSEY PORT CORPORATION, NJ
The operator of marine shipping terminals in seven New Jersey counties focuses mostly on breakbulk and bulk cargo, but it does have cranes for containers.
25. PORT OF BOSTON, MA
Boston’s Paul W. Conley Terminal specializes in container cargo, with gantry cranes and automated stacking cranes for efficient loading and unloading.
