Top 20 Largest Ports in the USA | U.S. Port Shipping Guide

The United States is home to some of the busiest and most advanced seaports in the world. Whether you’re importing goods from Asia or exporting to global markets, choosing the right U.S. port can significantly impact your transit time, shipping costs, and customs processing.

This guide by CHINA BRF LOGISTICS highlights the 20 largest ports in the U.S. by cargo volume, geographic reach, and connectivity — helping you identify the most convenient gateway for your freight.

Why U.S. Ports Matter in Global Shipping

U.S. ports serve as key nodes in global trade. Efficient ports help reduce transportation costs, minimize delays, and offer seamless inland distribution via rail or truck. Understanding each port’s strength—location, capacity, type of cargo handled—is essential for optimizing your supply chain.

Top 20 Largest Ports in the U.S. (By Tonnage or TEU Throughput)

1. Port of Los Angeles, CA

Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in North America and it is located in San Pedro Bay, in Los Angeles. Some examples of the goods it handles include consumer goods, automobiles, agricultural products, machinery and equipment, refrigerated goods, and chemicals. It can handle more than 9 million TEUs in a year.

The port is managed by the Los Angeles Harbor Department (LAHD) whose goal is to ensure cargo flow optimization. The main exports from the port include agricultural products such as grains and soybeans.

2.Port of Long Beach, CA

The Port of Long Beach is located in the City of Long Beach in California. This location enables it to provide direct access to trans-Pacific shipping routes.Some of the goods that are handled by the port include containers, bulk cargo, automobiles, oversized industrial components, steel products, heavy machinery, and refrigerated goods.

It is administered by the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach.

This port handles over 9.1 TEUs annually and it has expanded its capacity to accommodate huge cargo ships. The main goods shipped via Long Beach include agricultural products.

3. Port of New York or Newark, NJ

The port of Newark is located in New York Metropolitan Area on the North Eastern quadrant of North America. Its Administration is by New York’s and New Jersey’s Port Authorities.

It comprises the port of Newark and the Elizabeth Marine Terminal which sit side by side between Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey.Goods handled by the port of Newark include containers, automobiles, chemicals, petroleum products, steel, and machinery.

Port of Newark can handle over 7 million TEUs annually and is a critical link between US and international markets more so Europe and Asia. The main goods which are shipped via the port include machinery and vehicles.

4. Port of Savannah, GA

It is located in Savannah, Georgia which is on the eastern coast of the US and is the most accessible port for ocean-going vessels. The port of Savannah can handle general cargo, containerized cargo, and automobiles.Port Savannah can handle over 5 million TEUs in a year.

The port of Savannah is managed by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) which oversees its operation, development, and expansion.

The main goods that it ships include soybeans, corn, chemicals, and machinery. It possesses deep-water capabilities and is well-equipped with modern equipment for handling cargo.

5. Port of Houston, TX

For over a century, Port Houston has been instrumental in the development of international trade in the City of Houston, Texas. It handles a diverse range of goods which include petrochemicals, containers, automobiles, agricultural products, and breakbulk cargo.

In recent years, the port has been able to handle over 2.7 million TEUs through its large-scale container. It is managed by the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) whose obligation is to ensure compliance with regulations and developments.

The Port of Houston is mainly used to ship petrochemicals and automobiles. As the steward of progress, the port is essential for the expansion of the waterway.

The Houston Waterway Complex, along with over 200 private docks and 8 public docks, collectively known as the Port of Houston, is the largest water tonnage port in the United States. Houston Port has taken the lead in passing ISO international environmental quality standards, becoming the first “green” port in the United States and the world.

The Port of Houston is located inland in the Galveston Bay of the Gulf of Mexico, just a few hours’ voyage away from the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest container port along the Gulf of Mexico coast, handling 73% of container cargo transported between the United States and the Gulf of Mexico.

The annual average number of merchant ships anchored at Houston Port is over 7000, consistently ranking first among US ports in international maritime cargo volume, with a cargo throughput of over 200 million tons.

According to the total number of standard containers (TEUs), Houston Port is the fifth ranked container port in the United States, with a total of 8 public terminals, including 2 container terminals, Bayport Terminal and Barbours Cut Terminal. The terminal equipment of the two container terminals is one of the most advanced and efficient industry equipment in the United States, providing the most efficient and economical services.

6. Port of Seattle-Tacoma (NW Seaport Alliance)

It is located in Washington Stateand offers deep water access to the Pacific Ocean. It is about 150 miles from the border of Canada which creates a great hub for markets in the US and Canada. The goods that it can handle include containerized cargo, bulk cargo, refrigerated cargo, heavy equipment, and automobiles.

Port of Seattle can handle over 3.7 million TEUs annually. It is managed by the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA). NWSA is a collaboration between the ports of Tacoma and Seattle and it makes it possible for both ports to pool resources. The main goods which it ships are agricultural products like grains and seafood.

7. Port of Oakland, CA

Port of Oakland is located in Oakland California and is situated in the San Francisco Bay Area. It can handle goods like agricultural products, machinery and vehicles, consumer goods, and raw materials. This port can annually handle about 2.5 million TEUs.

It is managed by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners which ensures efficient operations in the port.The board of commissioners comprises seven members who are nominated by the Mayor of Oakland and appointed by the Oakland City Council.

Port of Oakland is used to mainly ship California’s agricultural products like wine, almonds, and dairy products.

8. Port of Norfolk, VA

It is located in Norfolk Virginia on the East Coast of the US and has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the goods that it handles include automobiles, Bulk cargo like coal, containerized cargo, and oversized items.

Port of Norfolk can handle over 3 million TEUs annually. It is managed by the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) which ensures infrastructure development and efficient operations. It is mainly used to ship coal and agricultural products like soya beans and grains.

The arrivals, departures, and ships in the port are detected using AIS data, and weather data is based on the GFS model (NCEP/NWS).

9. Port of Charleston, SC

Port of Charleston is located in Charleston, South Carolina and its position is strategically aligned on the Atlantic Ocean. It can handle diverse goods like containerized cargo, automobiles, heavy machinery, industrial equipment, refrigerated goods, and agricultural products. This port can handle a capacity of 2.8 TEUs annually.

The port of Charleston is managed by the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) which ensures smooth cargo movement. It has three key terminals which include Wando Welch Terminal (WWT), North Charleston Terminal (NCT), and Leatherman Terminal.

It is the main port for the export of vehicles manufactured in the USA more so BMW models.

10.Port of Miami, FL

The port of Miami is located in the South East of downtown Miami, Florida. This port can handle containerized cargo, reefer cargo, and bulk commodities like construction materials, bulky items, cruise operations, and minerals. Port of Miami can handle over 1.2 million TEUs per year.

It is managed by Miami-Dade County which operates as a department under the County Government of Florida. Its major terminal operators are South Florida Container Terminal, Seaboard Marine, and Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company. The main goods which are shipped in this port are aircraft and aircraft parts.

11.Port of Baltimore, MD

Port of Baltimore is a shipping port along the tidal basins of three branches of the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland. It is situated on the upper Northwest shore of Chesapeake Bay. It is used to handle specialized cargo (roll-on/roll-off ships) and passenger facilities.

The port of Baltimore can handle millions of TEUs annually. It is operated by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA, a unit under the Maryland Department of Transportation. The main goods shipped via the Port of Baltimore are automobiles for brands such as Ford, BMW, and Mercedes Benz.

12.Port of New Orleans, LA

Port of New Orleans is an important transport hub which is located in Louisiana along the Mississippi River. It is a diverse general cargo port used in handling containerized cargo like plastic resins, consumer merchandise, food products, and breakbulk cargo like steel, rubber, paper, wood, and metals.

The port of New Orleans has an annual capacity of 840,000 TEU with six gantry cranes able to handle 10,000 TEUs vessels.

The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans manages the port. It serves as the sole international container port for Louisiana and mainly ships agricultural products.

13.Port of Jacksonville, FL

Port of Jacksonville is an international trade port located along St. John’s River in Jacksonville, Florida. It is ranked as the largest port in Florida in terms of capacity. The port can handle containerized goods, breakbulk cargo like forest products and heavy machinery, refrigerated goods, and bulk cargo such as petroleum, fertilizer, and cement.

This port can handle over 1.4 million TEUs annually. Its management is comprised of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). It is mainly used to ship vehicles and it is the second handler of these goods in the US.

14.Port of San Juan, PR

Port of San Juan is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.This port can handle containerized goods, break bulk cargo like machinery and vehicles, cruise shipping services, and bulk cargo like raw materials and chemicals.

The port of San Juan handles over 2 million TEUs in a year and thus is ranked as the busiest port in the Caribbean. The management of the port comprises the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) port of San Juan mainly exports pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

15. Port of Philadelphia, PA

The port of Philadelphia is located on the Delaware River in Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania. It can handle liquid bulk cargo, containerized cargo, Perishable goods, and vehicles. The Port of Philadelphia is managed by the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Philaport, which is an agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Port of Philadelphia is a medium-sized port that can handle more than 600,000 TEUs in a year. The main export via this port is chemicals and plastics due to the presence of a lot of refineries in Philadelphia.

16.Port of Everglades, FL

Port of Everglades is located in Broward County, Florida. It ensures economic development in Florida through international trade and cruise ships. The port can handle containerized cargo, heavy machinery, liquid cargo, and bulk cargo like cement, steel, and fertilizers. It can handle over 1 million TEUs annually.

This port is managed by Broward County’s Port Everglades Department. The main export of the port is energy products which it ships to several countries.

17. Port of Mobile, AL

Port of Mobile is a deep water port located in Mobile, Alabama situated on Mobile River. This port can handle containerized, bulk, breakbulk, roll-on/ roll-off, and heavy lift cargoes.The Port of Mobile can handle over 500,000 TEUs annually.

The management of the Port of Mobile is by the Alabama State Port Authority.It is the largest breakbulk of forest products in the US and is mainly used as a terminal for the export of coal. Goods that are entering or leaving the Port of Mobile always need to comply with the regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

18.Port of Boston, MA

Port of Boston is a major seaport located in Boston Harbor adjacent to Boston City. It is the largest port in Massachusetts and serves as a principal port on the East Coast of the US. It can handle containerized goods, bulk cargo, specialty cargo, and cruise operations. The port of Boston can handle a capacity of over 300,000 TEUs annually.

The port is administered by the Massachusetts Port Authority. Its main good to ship is seafood especially lobster which is prevalent in Boston.It ensures adherence to customs and environmental regulations to ensure sustainability.

19.Port of Wilmington, NC

Port of Wilmington, NC is a port facility located in North Carolina on the Eastern Coast of the US. It can handle a wide range of goods including containerized cargo, breakbulk cargo, bulk cargo, large and heavy equipment, and automobiles.

This port can handle over 500,000 TEUs annually and is equipped with modern facilities.

The port of Wilmington, NC is managed by the North Carolina State Ports Authority. It is mainly used in shipping automobiles and automotive parts. The port of Wilmington adheres to safety and security protocols for cargo and transportation.

20.Port of Tampa, FL

The port of Tampa is located in Tampa, Florida near downtown Tampa’s Channel District. It can handle liquid cargo, containerized cargo, Ro-Ro Cargo, and Break Bulk cargo such as heavy machinery and construction equipment.

Port of Tampa’s TEUs per year tend to vary although it can handle a significant volume of containers. It is overseen by the Tampa Port Authority which is a Hillsborough County Agency. This port is mainly used for exporting refined petroleum products.

How to Choose the Right U.S. Port for Your Cargo

When planning your shipment to or from the U.S., consider the following:

Proximity to Destination: Reduces inland trucking or rail costs
Cargo Type: Some ports specialize in vehicles, oil, or perishables
Carrier Availability: More carriers = competitive pricing
Customs Efficiency: Larger ports often have streamlined processes

Optimize Your U.S.-China or U.S.-Global Trade Routes

Whether you’re shipping from China to the U.S., Europe to the U.S., or distributing domestically, BRF SHIPPING GROUP can help you:

Select the most time- and cost-effective port
Coordinate with local customs brokers
Provide full FCL, LCL, RORO, and bulk cargo services
Ensure end-to-end supply chain visibility

FAQ: U.S. Port Shipping

Q1: What is the busiest port in the U.S. by container volume?
A1: The Port of Los Angeles, handling over 9 million TEUs annually.

Q2: Which port is best for East Coast imports from Europe?
A2: The Port of New York and New Jersey offers the best connectivity.

Q3: Are inland ports connected by rail?
A3: Yes, many seaports (e.g., Savannah, Norfolk) have on-dock rail for inland distribution.

Q4: Can BRF SHIPPING GROUP help with port-to-door delivery?
A4: Yes, we offer door-to-door shipping, including customs clearance and domestic trucking.