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.
Surge in U.S. Inbound Containers Signals Economic Growth in 2024
In the opening months of 2024, the United States has witnessed a significant surge in inbound container volumes, signaling robust… Read More
Revival at the Port of Portland, Maine
After several lean years, business at the Port of Portland, Maine, is back on track, literally. The niche port, one… Read More
Improved Rail Service between Charleston and Charlotte
The South Carolina Ports Authority has announced a significant enhancement to international intermodal rail service between the Port of Charleston… Read More
Roundtable Underscores Importance of 21st Century U.S. Ports To Drive Job Growth
At a recent meeting in Baltimore, Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and Secretary of Labor… Read More
South Carolina Ports Authority Brings Solar Power to Terminals
The South Carolina Ports Authority announced plans to bring solar power to the Wando Welch and Columbus Street terminals, making… Read More
Washington State Lost $769.5 Million Due to the 2014-2015 West Coast Port Slowdown, Study Finds
One year after the devastating West Coast port dispute concluded, the Washington Council on International Trade has released a study… Read More
AAPA: President’s Fiscal 2017 Budget ‘Grossly Imbalanced’ For U.S. Ports
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) registered its disappointment in the proposed funding levels for U.S. Army Corps of… Read More
Obama’s New Transportation Plan Spurs Controversy
The $4 trillion budget President Barack Obama sent to the Congress last week included a new plan for building a… Read More
Federal Maritime Commission Starting Supply Chain Innovation Project
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has issued an order directing Commissioner Rebecca Dye to work with United States international supply… Read More
Cargo Volumes Handled by U.S. Seaports on the Rise
Seaports are seeing a steady rise in waterborne cargo volumes, according to a newly released U.S. Army Corps of Engineers… Read More
GT USA receives M.V. NORDEROOG on maiden call to Port Canaveral
GT USA welcomed to the Canaveral Cargo Terminal (CCT) the M.V. Norderoog on its maiden call of StreamLines, N.V.’s new… Read More
POLB Meets Future With Capital Improvements
The port of Long Beach is currently in the middle of executing its 2016 Strategic Plan, including a 10-year, $4… Read More
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