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What Are the Top 10 Biggest and Busiest Ports in the US?

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Home Insight What Are the Top 10 Biggest and Busiest Ports in the US?
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Today we are starting a series of articles related to the world’s biggest ports, and we will start with the United States.

The United States has a wide network of ports that serve as vital gateways for global trade. These massive hubs keep our economy humming by facilitating the import and export of countless goods. But with so many ports lining our coasts, which ones reign supreme in terms of size and activity? Let’s dive into the top 10 biggest ports in the US.

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Ranking of the Top 10 US Ports

Our ranking focuses on TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), a key metric that reflects the sheer amount of goods a port handles. Keep in mind that some ports specialize in containerized cargo (shipping containers), while others handle bulk cargo like grain or coal.

Port of Los Angeles

The biggest port in the US, also known as “America’s port” officially was founded in 1907. Today, the port handles over 10 million TEUs of container traffic. This port processes a huge 20% of all incoming cargo for the US.

Port of Los Angeles Key Metrics

Handled 8.63 million TEUs, a 13% decrease from 2022.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Furniture
  • Auto parts
  • Apparel
  • Plastics
  • Footwear

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Paper/wastepaper
  • Pet/animal feed
  • Soybeans
  • Recycled metal
  • Fabrics/raw cotton

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach ranks as the second-busiest container seaport in the United States. Located in Long Beach, California, it sits right next to its counterpart, the Port of Los Angeles. It's a crucial link for trans-Pacific trade, handling goods valued at over $180 billion annually.  The port efficiently moves millions of container units each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in Southern California. They actively invest in sustainable practices and technological advancements to improve cargo movement and environmental impact.

Port of Long Beach Key Metrics

Handled 8 million TEUs, regaining its position as the second-busiest U.S. container port.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Crude oil
  • Electronics
  • Plastics
  • Furniture
  • Clothing

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Petroleum coke
  • Petroleum bulk
  • Chemicals
  • Waste paper
  • Foods

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is a massive port complex on the East Coast of the United States. It's the biggest on the East Coast and the third largest overall in the country, handling a huge amount of cargo shipping. It's also one of the world's largest natural harbors.  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey manages the port.

Port of New York and New Jersey Key Metrics

Handled nearly 7.8 million TEUs, maintaining its position as one of the top three busiest U.S. container ports.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Petroleum
  • Appliances
  • Vehicles
  • Plastics
  • Electronics

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Miscellaneous goods
  • Primary metals
  • Chemicals
  • Computer and electronic products
  • Machinery

Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah is a major U.S. seaport located in Georgia. It's known for its speed and efficiency, having the title of the largest single container terminal in the Western Hemisphere. Owned by the Georgia Ports Authority, it competes with other southeastern ports to move cargo across the globe.

Port of Savannah Key Metrics

Handled around 5.4 million TEUs in 2023.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Immunological products packings
  • Medium-sized cars
  • Medicaments
  • Large sized cars

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Aircraft parts
  • Medium-sized cars
  • Medicaments
  • Electric motor vehicles
  • Cotton

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston, Texas, is a giant among ports. It's the top U.S. port for total cargo tonnage moved each year, handling over 200 million tons.  This massive complex stretches for 52 miles along the Houston Ship Channel, with a network of public and private terminals.  The Port Authority of Houston manages the public terminals, while over 150 private companies operate along the waterway.

Port of Houston Key Metrics

Handled nearly 3,8 million TEUs in 2023.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Petroleum oils
  • Light petroleum distillates
  • Photosensitive devices
  • Medium-sized cars
  • Electric accumulators

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Petroleum oils
  • Petroleum spirit for motor vehicles
  • Light petroleum distillates
  • Liquefied propane
  • Ethylene polymers

A Day in the Life of Atlantic Project Cargo: Port Operations

Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia is a major player on the East Coast and has the title of the most efficient port in North America.  It's a central hub for cargo movement on the East Coast, strategically located in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Owned by the Virginia Port Authority, it encompasses several terminals including Norfolk International Terminals, the largest on the East Coast. The port focuses on offering logistics solutions and facilitates international trade for a variety of goods.

Port of Virginia Key Metrics

In 2023, the Port of Virginia handled 3.3M TEUs, compared to 2.9M in 2019.

Top Exports in 2023

  • Logs and lumber
  • Soybeans and products
  • Paper and paperboard
  • Wood pulp
  • Pet and animal Feeds

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Furniture
  • Auto parts
  • Plastic products
  • Toys
  • Paper and paperboard

The Northwest Seaport Alliance

The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a collaboration between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma in Washington State. It functions as a single port authority, ranking as the fourth-biggest container gateway in North America.  

Port of Northwest Seaport Alliance Key Metrics

Handled nearly 2,9 million TEUs in 2023.

Top Imports

  • Industrial machinery
  • Electronics
  • Vehicles
  • Toys
  • Furniture

Top Exports

  • Oil seeds and grains
  • Industrial machinery
  • Prepared vegetables and fruits
  • Fish and seafood
  • Edible fruits
  • Metals

Port of Oakland, California

The Port of Oakland is a major container ship hub situated in Oakland, California, right on San Francisco Bay. It holds the distinction of being the first major port on the U.S. Pacific Coast to construct terminals specifically designed for container ships.  

Port of Oakland Key Metrics

Handled slightly over 2 million TEUs in 2023.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Electric accumulators
  • Small sized cars
  • Parts of electric accumulators
  • Unroasted coffee

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Fresh/Chilled boneless beef cuts
  • Shelled almonds
  • Fresh/chilled pork cuts
  • Frozen boneless beef cuts

Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is a true giant with two distinct claims to fame.  First, it's the undisputed "Cruise Capital of the World", handling more cruise passengers than any other port on the globe.  Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian all set sail from here.  Secondly, it's a major "Cargo Gateway of the Americas", ranking high among U.S. cargo ports.  So, the Port of Miami stands high in both tourism and international trade.

Port of Miami Key Metrics

Handled around 1,1 million TEUs in 2023.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos
  • T-shirts
  • Pullovers

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Medium-sized cars
  • Cotton yarn
  • Parts of cranes, work-trucks, shovels, construction equipment
  • Motor vehicle parts

Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston, South Carolina, is a rising star on the East Coast. It holds the title of the #1 fastest-growing port in the U.S., and the top 10 biggest port in the US, handling a diverse mix of cargo. Its facilities span three cities: Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant. Owned by the South Carolina Ports Authority, it has six public terminals for efficient cargo handling. 

Port of Charleston Key Metrics

Handled nearly 2.6 million TEUs in 2023.

Top Imports in 2023:

  • Medicaments
  • Engines
  • Chemical products
  • Aircraft parts

Top Exports in 2023:

  • Other Aircraft parts
  • Medium Sized Cars
  • Large Diesel Cars
  • Spark-ignition Chargeable Cars

Conclusion

These top 10 biggest ports in the US play a vital role in the economy, creating jobs and fostering international trade.  As we move forward,  sustainability efforts will likely play an increasingly important role in port operations. Many ports are already implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact.

Stay tuned for future articles where we delve deeper into specific ports and how Atlantic Project Cargo can help you navigate the world of international shipping.

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