From Los Angeles to New York_ Why the Largest Ports in the US Decide What’s on Your Shelves.pdf

Here are the 13 Largest Ports in the US: 1) Port of Los Angeles 2) Port of Long Beach 3) Port of New York and New Jersey 4) Port of Savannah 5) Port of Houston

1. From Los Angeles to New York: Why the
Largest Ports in the US Decide What’s on Your
Shelves Major US ports like Los Angeles and New York/New Jersey drive
massive trade, powering growth and shaping the future of global
commerce.

​​Source: g01xm from Getty Images Signature
Ports are the heavy lifters of America’s economy, working day and night like
tireless muscles that keep the nation moving. Picture giant ships rolling in, cranes
swinging like they’re giving high-fives, and containers stacking neatly as if they’re
part of a choreographed dance.
The largest ports in the US handle millions of tons of goods annually, supporting
businesses, generating employment, and keeping shelves stocked. In this article,
we’ll look at the biggest ports, why they matter, and how they shape our future.
By the end, you will see these ports as true giants of progress.

2. Factors That Define the “Largest” Port
Source – anyka
●​Container volume (TEUs) reflects how many containers pass through.
●​Total cargo tonnage counts bulk, liquid, and breakbulk goods.
●​Connectivity includes rail, road, and inland networks.
●​Terminal infrastructure includes quay length, crane numbers, and berth
depth.
●​Economic reach spans jobs, regional GDP, and the supply chain.
●​Capacity growth potential via dredging and expansion plans.
The 13 Largest Ports in the US Driving Global Shipping

3. 1) Port of Los Angeles (California)
●​Size: 7,500 acres, 20+ cargo terminals
●​Volume: ~9 million TEUs (2023)
●​Specialty: Asia trade (electronics, clothing, vehicles)
The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest among the largest ports in the US, handling
more container cargo than any other American port. It stretches across 7,500
acres and operates with over 20 cargo terminals. The port directly connects with
major rail networks, allowing goods to move quickly across the country. It trades
heavily with Asia, especially China, making it vital for electronics, clothing, and
vehicles. With its modernized facilities, large cranes, and deep-water berths, it
continues to set records in trade volume every year. The biggest ports in the US
by container volume. It handled around 9 million TEUs in 2023.
2) Port of Long Beach (California)
●​Size: 3,200 acres, 80+ berths

4. ●​Volume: ~7.4 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Imports (furniture, electronics, plastics); Exports (agriculture,
raw materials)
The Port of Long Beach is often called the twin of Los Angeles, and together, they
form the largest port complex in North America. Ranking high among the largest
ports in the US, Long Beach handles millions of TEUs annually. It is a hub for
imports like furniture, electronics, and plastics, while exporting raw materials
and agricultural products. Its advanced environmental programs, including clean
trucks and shore power for ships, make it one of the greenest ports in the world. 3) Port of New York and New Jersey
●​Size: Multiple terminals (Newark, Elizabeth, Brooklyn, Staten Island)
●​Volume: ~9.5 million TEUs
●​Specialty: East Coast’s largest hub, consumer goods & logistics
The Port of New York and New Jersey dominates the East Coast as one of the
biggest ports in the US. Its location provides direct access to the massive
consumer base of the Tri-State area. With facilities across Newark, Elizabeth,
Brooklyn, and Staten Island, it handles millions of containers annually. It is also
known for its sophisticated logistics, including modern rail yards and express
truck routes. The port manages goods ranging from machinery and food to
clothing and electronics, playing a key role in international shipping. Top on the
East Coast and among the largest ports in the US. Approximately 9.5 million
TEUs.
4) Port of Savannah (Georgia)
●​Size: 1,200+ acres, expanding capacity
●​Volume: ~5.6 million TEUs (2023)
●​Specialty: Exports (poultry, cotton, lumber); Imports (retail goods,
vehicles)
The Port of Savannah has become one of the fastest-growing entries among the
largest ports in the US. It stands out for its wide terminals, modern cranes, and

5. the deep Savannah River channel. Savannah serves as a major export hub for
agricultural products, especially poultry, cotton, and lumber. It also imports
retail goods, vehicles, and industrial equipment. Thanks to its excellent rail and
interstate connections, the port links directly to Atlanta and the Midwest.
Continuous expansion keeps it competitive with the bigger West Coast ports.
Suddenly outpacing many, 5.6 million TEUs in 2023. 5) Port of Houston (Texas)
●​Size: 25-mile-long Houston Ship Channel, 200+ terminals
●​Volume: ~260 million tons (top US port by tonnage)
●​Specialty: Energy & petrochemicals (petroleum, plastics, chemicals)
The Port of Houston is one of the largest ports in the US when measured by
overall tonnage. Unlike others that focus mostly on containers, Houston
specializes in energy and petrochemical shipments. With over 200 terminals, it
stretches along the Houston Ship Channel for 25 miles. The port is a key player in
exporting petroleum, chemicals, and plastics worldwide. It also imports steel,
machinery, and raw materials. Its massive tonnage makes it vital for both
American energy security and global industrial supply chains. One of the top US
ports by tonnage. Around 260 million tons handled.
6) Port of Seattle-Tacoma (Washington)
●​Size: Combined terminals under the Northwest Seaport Alliance
●​Volume: ~4.1 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Asia trade (electronics, seafood, produce), cold-chain logistics
The ports of Seattle and Tacoma work together under the Northwest Seaport
Alliance, ranking them among the largest ports in the US. Located in Washington
State, they serve as a primary gateway to Asia, especially trade with Japan and
South Korea. The ports handle diverse cargo, ranging from electronics to fresh
produce and frozen seafood. Seattle-Tacoma’s terminals are equipped for rapid
transfers between ships, trucks, and rail. Its cold-chain storage facilities also
make it important for perishable goods. It plays a big role in West Coast trade.
Handles 4.1 million TEUs as the combined “Northwest Seaport Alliance.”

6. 7) Port of Virginia (Norfolk)
●​Size: Naturally deep channels, multiple modern terminals
●​Volume: ~3.9 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Handles world’s largest container ships, Midwest rail access
The Port of Virginia stands tall among the top US ports, thanks to its naturally
deep waters and advanced terminal systems. It is one of the few ports that can
handle the world’s largest container ships without dredging. Norfolk and its
surrounding facilities manage millions of TEUs every year. The port has strong
rail access to the Midwest, making it crucial for inland distribution. It handles
imports like electronics, furniture, and apparel while exporting grains, tobacco,
and chemicals. Its future-ready design makes it a leader. Handles 3.9 million
TEUs.
8) Port of Charleston (South Carolina)
●​Size: Expanded terminals with deepened shipping channels
●​Volume: ~2.8 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Imports (consumer goods, vehicles); Exports (agriculture,
machinery)
The Port of Charleston has expanded quickly in recent years to become one of the
top ports in the US. Known for efficiency, it manages large container vessels with
deepened channels and modern cranes. The port mainly handles imports like
consumer goods and vehicles, while exporting agricultural products and
machinery. Its location on the East Coast gives it easy access to Europe and Asia.
With new inland ports and distribution centers, Charleston supports supply
chains across the Southeastern United States. Growth projects keep it
competitive globally. Around 2.8 million TEUs.
9) Port of Oakland (California)
●​Size: Major West Coast container hub, strong rail connections
●​Volume: ~2.4 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Exports (wine, fruits, nuts); Imports (machinery, electronics)

7. The Port of Oakland was the first West Coast port to focus on containerized
cargo, and today it remains one of the largest ports in the US. Located in the San
Francisco Bay, it processes over two million containers annually. Oakland serves
as the key trade point for California’s Central Valley agriculture exports,
including wine, fruits, and nuts. Imports often include machinery, electronics,
and retail products. The port also has strong rail links to the Midwest. It is
recognized for its environmental programs and modern logistics. Roughly 2.4
million TEUs.
10) Port of Miami (Florida)
●​Size: Deep-water dredged channels, advanced truck tunnel access
●​Volume: ~1.8 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Cruise capital, strong Latin America/Caribbean trade,
refrigerated cargo
Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” Miami is also top ports in the US for
containerized cargo. Its prime location makes it the closest port to Latin America
and the Caribbean. Miami handles clothing, electronics, fruits, and seafood
imports, while exporting paper, machinery, and agricultural goods. It’s also a
leader in refrigerated cargo services. The port’s high-speed tunnel and
deep-water dredging projects improved truck and ship movement, making Miami
both a tourist and cargo powerhouse in international trade. One of the largest
ports in the US for cruise and cargo. ~1.8 million TEUs. 11) Port of New Orleans (Louisiana)
●​Size: Mississippi River hub, 50+ ocean carriers
●​Volume: ~1.5 million TEUs + heavy bulk tonnage
●​Specialty: Bulk exports (grains, soybeans, coal); Imports (coffee, steel,
chemicals)
The Port of New Orleans is among the largest ports in the US, thanks to its
location along the Mississippi River. It is the gateway for bulk exports like grains,
soybeans, and coal from the Midwest. It also handles containerized cargo such as
coffee, steel, and chemicals. The port serves more than 50 ocean carriers, making

8. it a busy hub for international shipping. With its growing cruise industry and
expanding container facilities, New Orleans blends culture, commerce, and trade
uniquely. Around 1.5 million TEUs and heavy tonnage for bulk goods.
12) Port of Beaumont (Texas)
●​Size: Strategic Gulf port, excellent rail access
●​Volume: Top US port by tonnage (bulk-heavy, low TEUs)
●​Specialty: Petroleum, crude oil, chemicals, and military shipments
The Port of Beaumont is the largest in the US when measured by tonnage. Unlike
coastal container giants, Beaumont is known for bulk cargo and military
shipments. It handles petroleum, crude oil, chemicals, and other bulk goods. Its
strategic Gulf location and excellent rail connections make it vital for both
commercial and defense logistics. The U.S. military often uses Beaumont as a
base for shipping heavy equipment overseas. Its mix of civilian and defense roles
gives it a unique importance. Major for military and cargo fuel; tonnage is high,
though TEUs are low.
13) Port of Jacksonville (Florida)
●​Size: Expanding terminals with strong highway & rail access
●​Volume: ~1.2 million TEUs annually
●​Specialty: Vehicle imports, containers, bulk & breakbulk goods
Commonly called JAXPORT, the Port of Jacksonville ranks among the largest
ports in the US for vehicle imports. It is the top entry point for imported cars,
trucks, and heavy equipment. JAXPORT also handles containers, bulk cargo, and
breakbulk goods. Its location allows easy rail and highway connections
throughout the Southeast. The port supports jobs in logistics, warehousing, and
manufacturing. Jacksonville continues to expand its terminals and deepen its
channels, making it a rising star in both U.S. and international trade. Handles
~1.2 million TEUs (JAXPORT).
Economic Impact of US Ports

9. The largest ports in the US play a central role in the nation’s economy by
anchoring key trade corridors that connect America to global markets. These
ports support millions of jobs across different sectors, including trucking, rail,
and warehousing, creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Major hubs like Los Angeles-Long Beach contribute tens of billions of dollars to
the country’s GDP every year. The growth of the Port of Savannah has boosted inland manufacturing across the
Southeast, while ports such as New Orleans and New York-New Jersey help
power U.S. exports ranging from grains and soybeans to machinery and
industrial products. According to reports from the U.S. Department of
Transportation and regional port authorities, these facilities are essential engines
of trade and long-term economic growth. Future of US Ports
●​Automation and digitalization: remote cranes, paperless customs
improve throughput.
●​Sustainability push: green power, shore power, low‐emission vehicles
take hold.
●​Infrastructure upgrades: dredging to accommodate larger ships; rail
yard expansions.

10. Source – Poguz.P from Poguz.P
●​Resilience to climate risk: sea-level rise, hurricanes, and flooding shape
planning.
●​Inland intermodal: better inland freight and logistics hubs reduce costs
and delays.
●​The largest ports in the US will increasingly lead innovation, not just
haul goods.
Conclusion:
Ports may look like steel and concrete, but they move with the energy of a living
dance. Just like the cranes and workers you pictured in the intro, the largest ports
in the US keep the rhythm of trade alive. From Los Angeles to New York and
Houston to Miami, every port adds its own beat, whether for containers, oil, or
grain. Together, they power jobs, strengthen communities, and prepare for a
greener future. Their steady motion keeps America flowing strong on the global
stage.

11. Source:
●​https://tsfreight.com/10-largest-ports-in-the-united-states/
●​https://www.gocomet.com/blog/top-ports-in-north-america/
●​https://www.globaltrademag.com/american-ports-drive-2-9-trillion-in-
economic-impact-and-21-8-million-jobs-aapa-report-reveals/