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
GPA approves $92-million rail expansion
During a meeting of the Georgia Ports Authority board of directors in Atlanta last week, the GPA approved $92 million… Read More
AAPA lauds fiscal year 2019 Energy and Water Development Appropriation
Congressional leaders achieved a major accomplishment with the passage of the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and… Read More
Gulftainer agreement to operate and expand Port of Wilmington, Delaware
Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately-owned independent port operator and logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates, finalized a 50-year… Read More
SC Ports achieves record container volume in August
The South Carolina Ports Authority has announced the highest monthly container volume in its history, with 206,541 twenty-foot equivalent container… Read More
Port of Corpus Christi ship channel improvement underway
Big changes are underway as the Port of Corpus Christi’s $353-million-dollar ship channel improvement project is in full swing. The… Read More
IANA Intermodal Expo 2018: Key takeaways and discussion topics
Beautiful Long Beach, California was the setting for IANA’s (Intermodal Association of North America) annual expo, the IANA Intermodal Expo… Read More
AAPA announces 2018 port industry recognition program winners
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has announced the winning entries into its 2018 Environmental Improvement and Information Technology… Read More
POLA sets new record for cutting emissions
Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a key component of smog, are down an unprecedented 60 percent compared to 2005 emissions… Read More
POLB approves Toyota’s green terminal makeover
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a proposal by Toyota Logistics Services to redevelop its facility at… Read More
AAPA urges dedicated funding for port infrastructure
To provide adequate resources for three key federal programs that help fund multimodal port-related infrastructure in the United States, the… Read More
Port Manatee, Carver Maritime ink long-term terminal agreement
Port Manatee and Carver Maritime LLC have entered a long-term marine terminal operating agreement for a 10-acre aggregate offloading facility… Read More
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