The US is home to some of the busiest and most important ports in the world. The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in the US, handling over 9.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2020.
The Port of Los Angeles is a major cargo hub, with a significant portion of its cargo consisting of imported goods such as electronics and clothing. Its proximity to major markets and transportation networks makes it an ideal location for international trade.
The Port of Savannah is another major cargo hub, with a cargo volume of over 4.8 million TEUs in 2020. It's a key gateway for the Southeastern United States, with a significant portion of its cargo consisting of automobiles and machinery.
Busiest US Ports
The busiest US ports are a crucial part of the country's economy, handling a massive amount of cargo and trade every year.
The Port of Los Angeles is the largest port in North America, spanning 7,500 acres and boasting 25 cargo terminals. It serves as the gateway for 20% of all incoming cargo for the US.
One of the key statistics that highlights the port's importance is its container volume, which stands at 10.66 million TEUs. This is a staggering number, and it's no wonder that the port is considered a major player in global trade.
The Port of Long Beach, on the other hand, is a close second in terms of container volume, handling 9.13 million TEUs in 2022. This port is known for its eco-friendly policies and handles a wide variety of cargo types.
Here's a brief overview of the top 2 busiest US ports:
The Port of Los Angeles handles 20% of cargo imports to the US, with most of it coming from Asia. The port's success can be attributed to its strategic location on the West coast, with easy access to the Pacific Rim and Asia.
East Coast Ports
The East Coast is home to some of the busiest and most important ports in the US. The Port of New Jersey and New York handles over 7.4 million containers annually, making it the largest port on the East Coast.
Its diverse cargo includes vehicles, beverages, and plastics, with leading trading partners in China, India, and Germany. The port is also a key gateway for international trade with Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Here are some key statistics about the Port of New Jersey and New York:
- Container volume: 7.4 million TEUs
- Annual cargo tonnage: 74 million metric revenue tons
- Leading trading partners: China, India, Germany
- Total containers: 4.2 million
- Annual container value: $205 billion
The port's strategic location near major highways, railroads, and airports makes it a major hub for containerized cargo, handling over 7 million TEUs of goods each year.
Newark, Jersey
The Port of New Jersey and New York is a behemoth, handling over 7.4 million containers annually. It's home to the Port Authority Marine Terminal and plays a vital role in the region's economic activity.
The Port of New Jersey and New York is the largest port on the East Coast, with a container volume of 7.4 million TEUs. This is impressive, considering the port's diverse cargo and leading trading partners, which include China, India, and Germany.
The port's annual cargo tonnage is a staggering 74 million metric revenue tons. To put that into perspective, that's a lot of goods moving in and out of the port every year.
Here are some key statistics about the Port of New Jersey and New York:
- Container volume: 7.4 million TEUs
- Annual cargo tonnage: 74 million metric revenue tons
- Leading trading partners: China, India, Germany
- Total containers: 4.2 million
- Annual container value: $205 billion
The port's strategic location near the population centers of the northeastern United States makes it a key gateway for international trade with Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Hampton Roads, VA
Hampton Roads, VA, is a major shipping hub on the East Coast, handling a massive amount of cargo each year. The region is comprised of the combined ports of Norfolk, Newport News, and Portsmouth, which are located along the banks of the James and Elizabeth Rivers near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay.
In fact, Hampton Roads is one of the world's largest natural harbors, with 18 miles of inland shipping space. This makes it an ideal location for trade with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Port of Hampton Roads is a significant economic driver, with 78,664,496 short tons of goods moved each year. This is a testament to the region's strategic location and modern infrastructure.
Here are some key statistics about the Port of Hampton Roads:
- Combined cargo volume of Norfolk, Newport News, and Portsmouth ports: 78,664,496 short tons
Charleston
Charleston is a bustling port on the East Coast, and for good reason. It's known for its efficient operations and commitment to the environment.
The Port of Charleston is a major player in the region's economy, with a container volume of 2.79 million TEUs in 2022. This is a significant number, and it's a testament to the port's importance in the area.
The port's economic impact is felt far and wide, with a total of over $17 billion in economic activity. This is a staggering amount, and it's a reminder of the port's role in driving growth and development.
One of the port's major terminals is the Hugh K Leatherman Terminal, which opened in 2021. This is a state-of-the-art facility that's designed to handle the port's growing volume of cargo.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is a major hub for trade on the East Coast. The Port of Savannah is the largest single-terminal container facility in North America, handling 5.76 million TEUs in 2022.
Located in Savannah, the Port of Savannah has two deepwater terminals: the Garden City terminal, which spans 1200 acres, and the Ocean terminal, which covers 200 acres. This extensive infrastructure enables the port to efficiently handle a wide range of cargo.
The port's proximity to major manufacturing and distribution centers in the southeastern region makes it a key gateway for goods coming in and out of the region.
Seattle-Tacoma
The Seattle-Tacoma Port is a significant player on the West Coast, handling over 4 million TEUs of cargo annually. Located near the Puget Sound region, it's a key gateway for goods coming in and out of the area.
This port is strategically positioned on the West Coast, serving as a gateway to Asia, Europe, and other regions of the world. It's a major hub for trade with China, Japan, and other countries in Asia.
The port has a diverse mix of terminals and facilities, including Terminal 18 and Terminal 5, which handle a variety of goods, such as containerized cargo, automobiles, and agricultural products.
Gulf Coast Ports
The Gulf Coast Ports are a powerhouse of economic growth, and the Port of Houston is a prime example. It's the busiest port by foreign waterborne tonnage, handling a whopping 247 million metric revenue tons of cargo each year.
The Port of Houston is a massive operation, with 8,200 vessel calls and 215,000 barges passing through its terminals annually. It's no wonder it has a significant economic impact on the state, valued at $339 billion.
The Port of South Louisiana is another behemoth, moving an astonishing 238,585,604 short tons of goods each year. Its inland barge system stretches 19,262 miles up the Mississippi River, serving markets in the Midwest and Northeast.
Here are some key stats on the Port of Houston and Port of South Louisiana:
- Port of Houston: 8,200 vessel calls, 215,000 barges, 247 million metric revenue tons, 1.6 million TEUs
- Port of South Louisiana: 238,585,604 short tons, 108 miles of deepwater frontage, 50+ piers and docks
Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California is a major player in the world of ports, and for good reason. The Port of Long Beach is the second largest port in North America, handling over 8 million TEUs of goods each year.
Its strategic location on the West coast of the United States makes it a key gateway for international trade, particularly with Asia. The port's proximity to major population centers in Southern California also makes it a vital channel for consumer goods.
The Port of Long Beach ships 84,492,739 short tons annually, generating over seventy billion dollars in trade each year and employing more than 316,000 Southern Californians.
The port's main partners are East Asian countries, and it's known for its eco-friendly policies. It has 80 berths and 6 container terminals, making it a major hub for containerized cargo.
Here are some key statistics about the Port of Long Beach:
- Container volume (2022): 9.13 million TEUs
- Annual cargo tonnage: 78.2 million metric revenue tons
- Total size: 3200 acres
- Cargo berths: 80
- Direct and indirect employment: 370,000
South Louisiana
The Port of South Louisiana is a behemoth, moving over 238,585,604 short tons of goods each year. It's America's largest port district by tonnage, and its extensive network of 108 miles of deepwater frontage and over 50 piers and docks makes it a logistical powerhouse.
The port's inland barge system stretches 19,262 miles up the Mississippi River to markets in the Midwest and Northeast. This is a testament to its ability to efficiently move goods across the country.
Here are some key statistics about the Port of South Louisiana:
- Port size: 54 miles along the Mississippi River
- Deepwater frontage: 108 miles
- Piers and docks: over 50
- Inland barge system length: 19,262 miles
The Port of South Louisiana is a vital part of the Gulf Coast's economic engine, and its sheer scale and complexity make it a fascinating subject to explore.
Corpus Christi
The Port of Corpus Christi is a major hub on the Gulf Coast, handling a staggering 76,157,693 short tons of cargo every year. Located on Corpus Christi Bay in the western Gulf of Mexico, it sees more than 6,000 vessels annually.
This port has been consistently winning awards for its environmental management system (EMS) program since 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is America's 3rd largest port?
The Port of New York and New Jersey is America's third-largest port, handling over 7 million TEUs annually. It's a major hub for containerized cargo on the East Coast.
Sources
- https://cowtownexpress.com/blog/top-largest-us-ports-major-usa-cargo-hubs-guide
- https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/biggest-ports-in-usa/
- https://www.shiphub.co/the-largest-ports-in-north-america/
- https://gul-llc.com/top-11-largest-ports-north-america/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-busiest-ports-in-the-united-states-by-cargo-volume.html
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