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The Most Used Container Ports in the USA

Beeontrade

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July 2025

8 min read

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The Most Used Container Ports in the USA

The Most Used Container Ports in the USA

The Most Used Container Ports in the USA

Beeontrade · July 2025
5 min read

From the Editor’s Desk

Container ports are the lifeblood of international trade and critical hubs for U.S. supply chains. Understanding the most active ports in the United States provides insight into import trends, capacity planning, and regional logistics performance.

In this article, we highlight the busiest container ports across the East and West Coasts—exploring why they matter, how they operate, and what shippers should know when planning cargo routing in 2025 and beyond.

Key Observations

Volume Trends

  • West Coast ports are rebounding in 2025 after pandemic-era slowdowns, led by the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
  • East Coast ports continue gaining market share due to expanded Panama Canal capacity and infrastructure upgrades.

Infrastructure and Efficiency

  • Automation and port digitization have improved container dwell time and berth utilization.
  • Inland connectivity—rail and trucking—remains a key differentiator for high-performing ports.

Top Container Ports by Volume and Logistics Capacity

Port of Los Angeles (West Coast)

Still the largest container port in the U.S., the Port of Los Angeles handles over 9 million TEUs annually. It benefits from deepwater access, modern cranes, and proximity to major Asian trade routes.

Port of Long Beach (West Coast)

Adjacent to the Port of LA, Long Beach is another powerhouse. Its Green Port policy and digital logistics systems have made it a leader in sustainable port operations.

Port of New York and New Jersey (East Coast)

Serving the entire Northeast U.S., this port complex rivals West Coast leaders in volume and efficiency. Major investments in dredging and rail access have boosted throughput and reduced congestion.

Port of Savannah (East Coast)

Georgia’s Port of Savannah has surged in popularity due to its fast-growing container yards and deepwater capabilities. It’s a top choice for importers serving the Southeast and Midwest.

Port of Houston (Gulf Coast)

While technically a Gulf port, Houston ranks in the top five for total container volume. Its central U.S. location and expanding rail links support its steady rise in logistics rankings.

Choosing the Right Port for Your Business

Each port offers unique advantages depending on destination, cargo type, and cost preferences. Shippers targeting the Midwest may benefit from East Coast options, while time-sensitive imports from Asia are best served via West Coast gateways. Gulf ports provide growing alternatives with central access.

Beeontrade’s Perspective

Choosing the right port is about more than proximity—it’s about performance. Beeontrade connects shippers with the best port solutions for their cargo, backed by digital tools that compare rates, transit times, and congestion risk across all major U.S. terminals.

Find the Best Port for Your Next Shipment

Sources

  • Port of Los Angeles: Annual Container Statistics – portoflosangeles.org
  • Port of NY/NJ: Economic Impact Reports – panynj.gov
  • American Shipper: 2025 Port Rankings – freightwaves.com
  • Journal of Commerce: Port Infrastructure Outlook – joc.com

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