The Busiest Container Ports in the United States

As the world's largest economy, it's no surprise that the United States plays a significant role in global trade, with its container ports serving as vital gateways for goods entering and leaving the country. While no American facility ranks in the top 10 container ports globally, the country is home to nine of the world's 100 busiest ports that collectively handled over 50 million TEUs in 2023. These ports support a complex supply chain network that connects the U.S. to markets around the world. 

Busiest Container Ports in the US by Annual TEU Throughput

Based on the Lloyd's List 2023 One Hundred Ports Analysis, the following are the busiest container ports in the United States by annual TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) throughput.

1. Los Angeles 

The Port of Los Angeles leads as the busiest container port in the United States, handling 9,911,155 TEU in 2023. Located on the West Coast, it is a crucial hub for trans-Pacific trade, particularly with Asia. Its strategic location, coupled with investments in infrastructure and technology, enables it to manage high volumes efficiently.

2. New York/New Jersey 

The Port of New York and New Jersey ranks second, with an annual throughput of 9,493,664 TEU. As the largest port complex on the East Coast, it serves as a key entry point for goods into the northeastern U.S. and supports extensive trade with Europe, Asia, and other regions.

3. Long Beach 

Situated adjacent to Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach handled 9,133,658 TEU in 2023, making it the third-busiest container port in the country. It forms part of the San Pedro Bay port complex, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Long Beach's modern facilities and deep-water berths are designed to accommodate the world's largest container ships.

4. Savannah

The Port of Savannah, with a throughput of 5,892,131 TEU, is the fourth-busiest U.S. port. As the fastest-growing port in the nation, Savannah benefits from its strategic location near major rail lines and highways, facilitating easy access to the southeastern and midwestern markets.

5. Houston 

The Port of Houston ranks fifth, processing 3,974,901 TEU in 2023. As a major hub for the U.S. energy sector, Houston handles a large volume of containerized cargo, particularly petrochemical products. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it a key gateway for trade with Latin America and beyond.

6. Norfolk (Virginia) 

Norfolk, with an annual volume of 3,704,723 TEU, is the sixth-busiest port in the U.S. Its deep harbor, capable of accommodating the largest container ships, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it a crucial entry point for goods entering the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

7. Seattle/Tacoma

The Northwest Seaport Alliance, comprising the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, handled 3,384,018 TEU, ranking seventh. This port complex plays a critical role in trade with Asia, particularly China, South Korea, and Japan, due to its strategic location on the U.S. West Coast.

8. Charleston 

The Port of Charleston processed 2,792,313 TEU in 2023, placing it eighth on the list. With its rapidly expanding facilities and deepened harbor, Charleston is emerging as a key player in containerized trade on the East Coast.

9. Oakland 

The Port of Oakland, with an annual throughput of 2,337,607 TEU, is the ninth-busiest U.S. port. Located in California, it serves as a major gateway for agricultural exports from the western U.S. and handles significant volumes of imports from Asia.

The Fastest Growing Container Ports in America

The Ports of Savannah and Charleston are among the fastest-growing container ports, having positioned themselves as key logistics hubs that offer easy access to major markets in the Southeast and Midwest.

The Port of Charleston is  expanding its capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased cargo volumes. With a recently completed harbor deepening project that enables the port to receive post-Panamax ships and a planned terminal expansion, Charleston is well positioned to continue its growth.

‍