Public ports in the United States play an important role in local and regional economies throughout the nation. They generate business development and provide employment to more than 13 million Americans, which includes those that work at the ports themselves and those employed in global trade and import/export support services. According to the American Association of Port Authorities, U.S. business activities related to waterborne commerce contribute more than $3 trillion to America’s economy. Seaport activities alone account for tens of millions in federal, state and local tax revenues. There are approximately 360 commercial ports that serve the United States, according to the U.S Coast Guard. Many of these accommodate ocean-going cargo, as well as barges, ferries and recreational watercraft. More than 150 deep draft seaports are located along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Port of South Louisiana ranks first in cargo volume (in tonnage) among U.S. Ports, followed by the Port of Houston, Texas and the Ports of New York and New Jersey (Port Newark). Many of the country’s most prominent ports work closely with private industry in the development and financing of maritime-related facilities. More than 60 U.S. ports are now nearing the end of a five-year infrastructure development project created to expand and modernize their facilities for more efficient cargo movement. A by-product of this effort, beside additional job creation, is helping to make American exports more competitive overseas. America’s port authorities play a key role in the business of waterborne commerce. Their authority may also incorporate other global trade hubs such as airports, industrial parks and Foreign Trade Zones. Since 9/11, there has also been a renewed appreciation of the role that port authorities play in national security.
Strong December U.S. Container Imports Close 2024 but Potential Challenges Loom for 2025
In December 2024, U.S. container import volumes wrapped up the year with a solid 2,367,271 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), just… Read More
ILA and USMX reach Six-Year Contract Agreement to Secure Stability for U.S. Ports
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative six-year Master Contract, averting… Read More
US Port Strike Looms: Freight Rates Surge Amid Surcharge Announcements
Shipping Lines Brace for January 15 Disruption The looming January 15, 2025, strike by US East Coast dockworkers is sending… Read More
U.S. Container Imports See Historic Growth Streak Amid Coastal Shifts
U.S. container imports marked their fourteenth consecutive month of growth in November, with inbound volumes rising 13.1% year-over-year across the… Read More
Maersk Finalizes Order for 20 Dual-Fuel Vessels to Advance Decarbonization Goals
Maersk Secures Dual-Fuel Fleet Expansion A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has solidified its commitment to sustainable shipping by signing agreements… Read More
Ports Reopen Across Southeast U.S. as Hurricane Milton Recovery Progresses
The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened several key ports across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina after Hurricane Milton swept through… Read More
Port Strike Impacts on Backlogs and Delays
Strike duration at all ports Estimated timeline to clear backlog 1 day 7 days 3 days 21-25 days 7 days… Read More
U.S. East Coast Strikes
As the October 1 deadline for a potential U.S. East Coast port nears, industries across the nation are bracing for… Read More
Global Trade Magazine Launches 1st Annual America’s Favorite Port Awards: Voting Now Open!
Global Trade Magazine is thrilled to announce the launch of the 1st Annual America’s Favorite Port Awards, a unique opportunity… Read More
Maersk Alerts Shippers to Potential Supply Chain Challenges Amid U.S. Labor Negotiations
Maersk has issued an update concerning the North American market, focusing on the ongoing labor negotiations between the United States… Read More
California Power Outages Wreaking Havoc on the Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is running low on power. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reports… Read More
Top 25 Container Ports In The United States
Imagine a major highway with poorly timed traffic lights. Everything slows down, causing delays and frustration. Ports in the United… Read More
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