Port Technology International (PTI) has ranked the most active ports in the United States as part of its continuous coverage of the world’s top ports.
The United States is one of the biggest countries in the world, primarily known for being a domestic market for products and trade. According to a recent impact study conducted by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), America’s ports generate $2.89 trillion in economic activity and support 21.8 million American jobs.
The Baltimore Bridge tragedy in March caused temporary supply chain and transportation interruptions, which temporarily impacted TEU performance across the country, leading to a dip in TEU performance across the country. However, the numbers have since rebounded, with recent figures showing impressive growth. These robust, sustained volumes are expected to continue in the coming months, despite concerns among importers about unresolved labour issues and looming tariffs that could increase shipping costs.
While the whole year results are still yet to be released, we have used data published thus far to offer an estimate of what the final yearly figures for 2024 may look like.
5. Port Houston – 3.8 million TEUs
Port Houston remained the fifth-ranked entry on our top five list, with volumes up 9 per cent from 2023 and approaching 4 million TEUs by the end of the year.
During the first six months of the year, the port successfully handled 2.09 million TEU across its terminals, indicating a 13 per cent year-to-date (YTD) increase over the same period last year.
Then in October, the port rapidly reached the 3 million TEU mark, a 10 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY).
Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, recently said: “This year has been nothing short of exceptional. Our record-breaking volumes speak to the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our team, and our strategic investments to stay ahead of industry needs.
“The momentum we’ve built in 2024 lays the groundwork for continued growth next year and beyond.”
4. Port of Savannah – 5.1 million TEUs
Next on the list is the Port of Savannah, which has kept its fourth place in PTI’s top five US ports, having handled 5.1 million TEUs in 2024 (excluding the month of December).
Six months later, the Port of Savannah handled over half a million TEUs, making it the third busiest month on record behind 2021 and 2022.
A $49.8 million Maritime Administration award will assist in maintaining electricity supplies at the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal.
3. Port of New York and New Jersey – 7.2 million TEUs
The Port of New York and New Jersey has had an amazing year, retaining its position as third on our list, processing 7.2 million TEUs.
The port quickly surpassed the 700,000 TEUs in the first quarter of 2024. By June, the port’s container volumes totalled to 4.2 million TEUs, processing 708,935 TEUs in that month alone.
The following month, the port processed 806,015 TEUs, making it the busiest July in its history and the seventh busiest month overall.
In September, the port processed 779,388 TEUs, marking the seventh consecutive month of processing more than 700,000 TEUs.
2. Port of Long Beach – 8.8 million TEUs
The Port of Long Beach maintains its dominance as one of the nation’s busiest ports, placing second on our list for the second consecutive year.
In August, the Port of Long Beach recorded 913,873 TEUs as a result of merchants shifting products ahead of expected tariff rises and ongoing labour talks at seaports on the East and Gulf coasts.
In October, the Port of Long Beach achieved an all-time TEU record in its 113-year history having moved nearly 1 million TEUs.
The port has moved 8.8 million TEUs through the first 11 months of 2024, up 20.2 per cent from the same period last year.
Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach CEO, recently commented: “Imports are being driven by strong consumer demand while retailers continue to move cargo here out of concern for labour negotiations at ports on the East and Gulf coasts.
“We will continue to handle this influx of cargo smoothly and with zero disruptions through the end of 2024.”
1. Port of Los Angeles – 9.4 million TEUs
The Port of Los Angeles has yet again maintained its spot as the busiest port in the US for the fourth year in a row, processing 9.4 million TEUs in the first 11 months of 2024, up 19 per cent ahead of its 2023 pace.
In October alone, the port processed a record 905,026 TEUs, up 25 per cent from the previous year.
Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, commented on the port’s successful TEU volumes: “These robust, sustained volumes will likely continue in the coming months with strong consumer spending, an early Lunar New Year, importer concerns about unresolved East Coast labour issues and the possibility of new tariffs next year that could drive up shipping costs.
