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For international trade, U.S. ports serve as important hubs. As the world’s second-largest trading nation, the United States handles millions of containers each year and plays an important role in trade with Europe and the Atlantic countries. According to Supply Chain Dive, volume at the top 12 U.S. ports in 2023 exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reaching approximately 46.67 million TEU.

This trend can be clearly seen in the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ annual report, which includes a graph of port throughput from January 2020 to September 2023. Data shows that monthly freight volumes continued to decline through 2022, but began to increase again in 2023. The monthly average from January to September 2023 will reach 200 TEU, an increase of approximately 18% compared to 2022. This recovery demonstrates the important role the United States plays in global trade.

Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 busiest ports in America.

Below is a list of the top 10 busiest U.S. ports by TEU in 2023

The Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles, the busiest port in North America, stands as a major global hub for maritime activity. Strategically situated on San Pedro Bay, just 25 miles south of down town Los Angeles, this expansive port covers approximately 7,500 acres, featuring both passenger and marine termianls.

As of 2023, the Port of Los Angeles boasts a traffic volume of 8.63 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). It handles a diverse array of cargo, including automobiles, oil, and steel, making it a vital artery for commerce. It not only handles a variety of cargoes, including automobiles, oil, and steel, but is also a key port for jobs, commerce, and tourism in Southern California.

• TEUs: 8.63 million
• Size: 7,500 acres (1 acres = approximately 43,560 square feet)

The Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach, the second busiest port in the United States, handles more than $200 billion in cargo annually and is adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles. It features a total of 22 shipping terminals, with main exports including paper, foodstuffs, agricultural products, and metal products. Additionally, it is one of the few ports in the United States capable of accommodating large ships.

The Port of Long Beach significantly impacts the local community by creating numerous jobs. It is estimated that over 50,000 jobs in Long Beach alone and 2.6 million jobs nationwide are related to trade generated by the port. Thus, it plays a truly vital role in both the local and national economy.

• TEUs: 8.02 million
• Size: 3,520 acres

The Port of New York and New Jersey

Ranked as the third busiest port in the United States, the Port of New York and New Jersey holds a significant position as the primary gateway to the northeastern region. As the largest port on the East Coast and one of the country’s most significant trade hubs, it boasts a history spanning over 100 years. The port handles a diverse array of cargo, including containers, roll-on & roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo, bulk, and specialized cargo. It is also a major center for the import and export of automobiles. With a cargo volume of approximately 2 million TEUs as recently as March 2024, it is indeed a highly active and bustling port.

• TEUs: 7.81 million
• Size: 3,000 acres

The Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah, ranked as the fourth largest in North America and the second largest on the East Coast, stands as a vital hub in the southeastern United States under the management of the Georgia Ports Authority. The Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal, with its 36 ship-to-shore cranes, is the largest single container terminal in North America. Each year, it handles millions of tons of containerized cargo, making it a crucial hub for maritime trade and logistics in the United States.

• TEUs: 5.4 million
• Size: 1,345 acres

The Port of Houston

The Port of Houston, situated in Texas, USA, holds the distinction of being the largest port in the Gulf of Mexico. As the Gulf’s primary container port, it manages a remarkable 73% of the shipping volume along the US Gulf Coast, earning it the rank of the 5th busiest port in the United States. Nestled among 10 ports along Texas’ expansive 367-mile Gulf coastline, it facilitates the transportation of diverse cargo types, including bulk commodities, roll-on/roll-off shipments, and containerized liquids/gas.

A 2022 study conducted by Martin Associates underscores the port’s significant economic impact. It reveals that jobs linked to the Port of Houston contribute to the creation of approximately 1.54 million jobs throughout Texas and 3.37 million jobs nationally, this solidifies the port as vital to the state’s economic growth.

• TEUs: 3.82 million
• Size: Over 12,000 acres

The Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia, the sixth busiest port in the United States, is located in the eastern United States and is one of the important hubs on the East Coast with six terminals. Recent expansions at the Norfolk International Gateway and Virginia International Gateway in 2020 have significantly enhanced throughput capacity. Moreover, with congressional approval for dredging to 55 feet, the port gains the capability to accommodate taller containers, further augmenting its operational efficiency.

Offering comprehensive trade services encompassing international containers, breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro), and more, the Port of Virginia boasts exceptional connectivity to major highways and railway networks. This infrastructure ensures seamless transportation, providing businesses with flexible and efficient logistics solutions.

• TEUs: 3.29 million
• Size: 1,864 acres

The Port of Charleston

Situated in southeastern South Carolina, the Port of Charleston is under the operation of the South Carolina Port Authority (SCPA) and boasts six public terminals. Setting itself apart, the port hosts its own free trade zone, distinguishing it from others in the region. This unique feature requires careful consideration of tariff payment regulations depending on the nature of the goods being sent here.

The Port of Charleston specializes in handling a diverse range of cargo types, including container cargo, breakbulk cargo, bulk cargo, refrigerated cargo, and chemicals. Beyond its operational activities, the port plays a significant role in the local economy, directly and indirectly contributing to the employment of approximately 10% of the workforce.

• TEUs: 3.29 million
• Size: 931 acres

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma

The Port of Seattle-Tacoma, also known as the Northwest Seaport Alliance, was formed in 2015 through a partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma in Washington state. Situated at the entrance of the Pacific Ocean, it serves as a crucial gateway for trade with the Asia-Pacific region and ranks as the 8th busiest port in the United States. The port complex contributes significantly to the local economy, generating more than 50,000 jobs in the region.

In addition to its role in facilitating trade and economic growth, the Port of Seattle-Tacoma is committed to environmental care. It engages in various initiatives aimed at improving air quality, protecting water quality, and advancing sustainable practices. By integrating environmental considerations into its operations, the port strives to minimize its environmental impact and promote the long-term health of the surrounding ecosystem.

• TEUs: 2.29 million
• Size: 2,500 acres

The Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland, Northern California’s busiest port, is located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. The port was established in 1927 and is a hub for exports, especially American agricultural products. The Port of Oakland is also one of the four major ports on the Pacific coast that handles container cargo, along with the previously mentioned ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Seattle-Tacoma.

With 4 marine terminals, 25 ship-to-shore cranes, and 14 shipping lines, the Port of Oakland is one of the busiest ports in Northern California, handling 99% of the region’s container cargo.

• TEUs: 2.07 million
• Size: 1,300 acres

The Port of Jacksonville

The port of Jacksonville, the 10th busiest port, is located along the St. Johns River in northeastern Florida and about 40 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, giving it the advantage of smooth exchange with domestic and international markets.

This port is the 10th busiest in the U.S., creating over 26,000 jobs and bringing in more than $31 billion for the local economy. It’s a big deal for the community, helping people find work and boosting the area’s financial growth.

• TEUs: 1.31 million
• Size: 1,500 acres

Managing cargo through the ten busiest ports in the United States comes with its share of challenges due to the high volume of goods and unpredictable factors. Tradlinx’s Ocean Visibility service provides real-time vessel tracking and ETA management, extending visibility beyond ocean transit to cover every checkpoint from origin to destination, including container pickup, gate operations, and returns. Simplifying logistics in complex environments, Tradlinx ensures shipments reach their destinations efficiently.

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