Ports in the United States: A List of Largest, Biggest, Busiest Shipping Ports in USA

Ports in the United States are major points of entry for international trade. Ports in the United States are a great option for people who are going to import from or export to the USA. This list of the largest, biggest, and busiest shipping ports in the US provides brief details on the ports along with their information.

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Maps of US Ports

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The US ports are a major part of the nation’s economy. Ports are crucial gateways for American businesses seeking to expand their global market share in key markets such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. They also serve as vital conduits for all manner of goods that move within the United States, including agricultural products and consumer goods such as clothing and electronics equipment. The US ports have been experiencing strong growth in the volume of TEUs handled in recent years.

USA Shipping Ports: A Full List

The U.S. has a ton of shipping ports. From the port of Miami, Los Angeles, Long beach, Houston, Savannah, Seattle, Baltimore, Charleston, Oakland, New York, Auckland, Portland, Virginia, Tacoma, to Boston you can ship almost anywhere in the country from any of these cities. These ports are the largest, busiest and most important ports in the world. 

If you are going to ship to the USA you can use a freight forwarder USA. Freight forwarders are companies that help people ship goods from one country to another.

#1 port of miami

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 33132
• Port size: 518-acres
• Port addresses: 1015 North America Way, Miami, Florida
• Main cargo/vessel type: containerized cargo
• TEUs: In the previous fiscal year, PortMiami handled over 1,120,913 TEUs

PortMiami, which is located on reclaimed land in the city of Miami, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. It was also the first port in Florida to receive direct ocean access for large vessels. The port’s facilities include a cruise terminal, a cargo terminal and three passenger terminals.

PortMiami was constructed on previously dredged material from Biscayne Bay between 1963 and 1969. It began commercial operations in 1974 with the arrival of two cruise ships. Today, PortMiami has grown into one of the most important seaports in Florida and serves as both a gateway for international trade and a departure point for cruises around the Caribbean and beyond. 

Cargo arriving at PortMiami comes from all over the world, including China and other Asian countries. If you need to ship to China from PortMiami, there are a number of shipping companies that operate from this port and can handle your shipment.

#2 port of los angeles

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 2713
• Port size: 30 km²
• Port addresses: 425 S. Palos Verdes St. San Pedro, CA 90731 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: General cargo
• TEUs: In 2021, cargo volumes reached a new high of 10.7 million TEUs.

The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest port in the United States, and is a major gateway for trade with Asia. It is also the largest port in the United States, taking up more than one million square feet of land at its main location. The Port of Los Angeles  is located in San Pedro Bay, just south of downtown Los Angeles. 

It covers 15.5 miles of shoreline and 2,200 acres of tideland. Its geographic location is ideal for receiving cargo shipped from Asia due to its close proximity to major population centers like Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix. The port serves as a hub for imports and exports of goods between countries around the world, including Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and Mexico.

As such, it’s no surprise that many companies choose to ship to China from this port. However, if you don’t know where to start with your search for a shipping company, you can check out zggship.

#3 port of long beach

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 2704
• Port size: 3,200 acres
• Port addresses: 415 W. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: dry bulk cargoes
• TEUs: The Port of Long Beach reported a volume of 9,384,368 TEU for calendar year 2021.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest ports in the world, with over $100 billion worth of cargo passing through every year. This means that if you’re looking to ship goods to China, this could be a great option for you.

In fact, many companies have their own warehouses here so they can handle all their imports and exports themselves. This means they don’t have to spend money on extra storage space or hire extra people to help them with their shipments.

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable shipping company to handle your shipment, then shipping with a freight forwarder is the way to go. Freight forwarders act as logistics experts, helping their customers get their goods from one place to another. They also provide important information about the shipping process such as customs regulations and regulations for importing into China.

#4 port of houston

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 5301
• Port size: 50-mile-long complex
• Port addresses: 111 East Loop North (77029) P.O. Box 2562 (77252-2562) Houston, TX 77252-2562 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: General Cargo
• TEUs: Annual container volume is 1.6 million TEUs

The Port of Houston is the largest port in the United States in foreign tonnage, and one of the largest ports in the world. The port has three major cargo terminals; Bayport, Texas City and Galveston. In addition to the three cargo terminals, there are eight other facilities that handle general cargo, bulk cargo, breakbulk, ethanol and petroleum coke.

The Port of Houston is also home to several refineries that process crude oil into gasoline, diesel fuel and other products that are used in everyday life. The Port of Houston is also a major gateway for imports from Asia and Latin America into the United States.

If you want to use this facility as part of your business operation, there are a number of shipping companies that operate from here and can handle your shipment.

#5 port of savannah

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 1703
• Port size: 200.8-acre
• Port addresses: P.O. Box 2406 Savannah, GA 31402 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: containerized cargo
• TEUs: The Port of Savannah has handled 3.4 million TEUs since January.

The Port of Savannah is located in Savannah, Georgia. It is the busiest container port in the United States and the second-busiest on the East Coast, handling over 3 million TEUs per year. The Port of Savannah is one of the largest economic engines in the state of Georgia and one of Georgia’s largest employers. 

The port has a $3 billion annual impact on Georgia’s economy and supports nearly 52,000 jobs in Georgia directly or indirectly. The port’s top trading partners are Latin America and Asia. The top imports are petroleum products, rubber and plastic goods; the top exports are motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery and equipment, cotton yarns and threads, wheat and corn milling products.

There are many benefits to using a shipping company that can provide you with the services you need. However, if you do not have any experience in this field, it can be difficult to know which companies are reliable and reputable.

#6 port of seattle

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 3001
• Port size: 624 hectares
• Port addresses: 2711 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98121
• Main cargo/vessel type: containerized cargo
• TEUs: Over two million TEUs of containerized cargo were handled at the Port of Seattle.

The Port of Seattle is a major seaport located in and around the city of Seattle, Washington. It consists of a marine terminal that handles container ships, an airport and two cargo facilities, including the Lake Union Dry Dock in South Lake Union. The port is responsible for building and maintaining much of the city’s marine infrastructure and operates several programs to increase maritime commerce.

The Port of Seattle is the largest on the West Coast, serving as a gateway for trade with Asia, Alaska and the Pacific Rim. The port is part of a global maritime transportation system, handling more than 9 million metric tons of cargo and generating $4 billion in annual economic activity.

If you want to ship your goods from China to the port of Seattle use a freight forwarder. 

Freight forwarding companies are professionals who help their customers in shipping goods all over the world. They have the contacts, experience and knowledge to make sure that your goods reach their destination safely and in time.

#7 port of baltimore

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 1303
• Port size: 570-acre
• Port addresses: MPA World Trade Center 401 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: Roll-on/Roll-off cargo like automobiles
• TEUs: The Port handled a record-breaking 1,073,749 TEU containers in 2019.

Port of Baltimore shipping is one of the most popular ports in the United States and has been since its opening. The port was a major factor in the growth of Baltimore and is now responsible for generating over $7 billion worth of economic activity annually. The port serves as a commercial seaport and cruise ship terminal.

The port has several terminals that handle a wide variety of cargo, including automobiles, containers, liquid bulk cargo, coal, cereals and grains and steel products. It is also home to the largest deep-water ships in the world, which can transport large amounts of cargo across oceans. 

If you have decided to ship your goods from China, you need to find a reputable freight forwarding company. The reason behind this is that they can help you with everything including documentation and customs clearance. 

#8 port of charleston

Image Source: American Journal Of Transportation

Port basic or overview

• Port code: 1601
• Port size: 201-acre
• Port addresses: 176 Concord Street Charleston, SC 29401 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: containerized goods and project cargo
• TEUs: 2.55 million TEU in Fiscal Year 2021 at the Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston is a seaport in South Carolina, in the southeastern United States. It is the largest container seaport on the eastern seaboard of the United States, and one of the busiest ports in North America.

The port is located on Charleston Harbor, a natural harbor protected by Fort Sumter and Sullivan’s Island from both wind and waves. The harbor opens to the Atlantic Ocean between Sullivan’s Island and Morris Island, two of its original seven islands. The port is accessible to large vessels through its main navigational channel which can accommodate ships with a draft up to 34 feet (10 m).

If you have been looking for a trusted company to ship your goods from China to the port of Charleston, then you should consider using a China freight forwarder. These companies are experts in this field and they can help you with the entire process. 

#9 port of oakland

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 2811
• Port size: 1,300 acres
• Port addresses: 530 Water Street Oakland, CA 94607 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: international containerized cargo
• TEUs: The Port of Oakland’s trade totaled $51.2 billion in 2019.

The Port of Oakland is one of the largest ports in the United States. The port, located in Oakland, California, is operated by the Port of Oakland and is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP officers inspect all cargo shipped into and out of the United States.

The Port of Oakland is a major economic engine for the Bay Area and California, transporting more than 38 million tons of goods valued at over $100 billion annually. It is one of the top 10 ports in America in terms of container traffic, moving over 2 million TEUs per year.

If you’re looking for a reliable company to ship your goods from China to the port of Oakland, consider using a China freight forwarder. Companies that specialize in international shipping and customs clearance are known as China freight forwarders.

#10 port of new york

Image Source: Wikipedia

Port basic or overview

• Port code: 1001
• Port size: 40-acre
• Port addresses: 225 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10003 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: automobiles and bulk and breakbulk
• TEUs: 843,191 TEUs were moved through the ports of New York and New Jersey.

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port on the East Coast of the United States, handling approximately 34% of all containerized cargo in the United States. It is one of the largest natural harbors globally, encompassing an area within an approximate radius of . The harbor is administered jointly by the states of New York and New Jersey and forms part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The port handles cargo from all over the world, including agricultural products such as grains, corn, soybeans, cottonseed products and soybean meal; steel ingots and other raw materials; coal; petroleum products; chemicals; automobiles; apparel; furniture; toys; wood pulp and paperboard; glass products; cement and concrete.

If you don’t have experience shipping goods from China or importing them into the United States, then using a freight forwarder is an excellent way to save time and money. A freight forwarder can save you time by helping with all of the necessary paperwork required for shipping abroad. They know exactly what needs to be done in order for your goods to clear customs, which means less hassle for you.

#11 port of auckland

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 0064
• Port size: 55 hectares
• Port addresses: Ports of Auckland Building, Sunderland Street, Auckland, New Zealand
• Main cargo/vessel type: breakbulk cargo, steel, timber, dry and liquid bulk, containers and vehicles
• TEUs: The container volume increased to 364,140 TEU.

Port of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s largest ports, located in Auckland City on the Waitemata Harbour. The port has three main terminals: the North Shore Terminal, the Downtown Ferry Terminal and the Princes Wharf Container Terminal.

Auckland’s location on the North Island coastline means it is only 80 kilometres to many major cities in Asia and Australia, which makes it an ideal location for international shipping lines. The port currently handles 2.6 million containers per year but is due to increase capacity by 50 percent over the next decade to handle 5 million containers per year.

Freight forwarders are companies that specialize in shipping and international trade. If your goods are being shipped directly from China to New Zealand, then this isn’t an issue since customs clearance is taken care of at the airport or port of entry in Auckland. 

#12 port of portland

Image Source: Association Of Pacific Ports

Port basic or overview

• Port code: 2904
• Port size: 159 acres
• Port addresses: 121 NW Everett Street Portland, OR 97209-4049 United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: grain, minerals, forest products and autos
• TEUs: The Port of Portland expects 177,000 TEU in container terminal activity.

The Port of Portland is a municipal corporation owned by the city of Portland, Oregon, United States. The port manages Portland’s marine terminals, including the container terminal at Terminal 6 and the bulk terminal at Terminal 1. The Port also operates two major freight rail terminals – Union Pacific’s East Bank Freight Rail Facility and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway’s North Side Rail Yard.

The Port of Portland is a public port district located in the city of Portland, Oregon. It owns and operates the marine terminals and facilities of the Port of Portland, including the container terminal in Delta Park and the bulk terminal in Portland Harbor.

If you want to ship goods from China to the port of Portland, then use a freight forwarder. The freight forwarder is the one who will help you in shipping all your goods through proper means of transportation, by making sure that the shipping is done in time and on budget.

#13 port of virginia

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 1401
• Port size: 648 acres
• Port addresses: downtown Norfolk, Virginia
• Main cargo/vessel type: ULCV Cargo
• TEUs: In March 2022, the Port of Virginia handled over 314000 TEU.

The Port of Virginia, located in Hampton Roads, is the largest port on the East Coast of the United States. The port is formed by the confluence of two rivers: the James River, which begins in Goochland County, and the Elizabeth River, which begins in Norfolk County.

The port is a major hub for containerized and break-bulk cargoes. Major exports include automobiles, forest products, foodstuffs and machinery. Major imports include crude oil and petroleum products; iron ore and coal; chemicals; metals; paper products; and fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Shipping from China to the port of Virginia has become increasingly popular over recent years. This is because people have realized that there are many benefits associated with using freight forwarders when shipping goods from China.

#14 port of tacoma

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 3002
• Port size: 25,000 acres
• Port addresses: Tacoma, Washington
• Main cargo/vessel type: marine cargo
• TEUs: Volumes fell 2% in May to 329,740 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)

The Port of Tacoma is a major seaport on Puget Sound in Washington State. It is located in Pierce County and opens to the south onto Commencement Bay of Puget Sound. The port district was created by the Washington State Legislature in 1897, and since 1905 has been governed by the Port of Tacoma Board.

The district encompasses all or parts of the cities of Lakewood, University Place, Fircrest, Ruston and unincorporated Pierce County. The total area of the Port District is approximately 1,600 acres (6 km²) with 7 miles (11 km) of waterfront.

A freight forwarder is someone who specializes in helping people ship goods from China to the port of Tacoma. They can also provide other services such as finding a warehouse in the port of Tacoma, packaging your goods for shipping, and arranging for customs clearance at the Port of Tacoma.

#15 port of boston

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Port basic or overview

• Port code: 0401
• Port size: 500 acres
• Port addresses: Boston, MA United States
• Main cargo/vessel type: general cargo
• TEUs: Over 247,000 TEUs will pass through the port in fiscal year 2021.

The Port of Boston is a major seaport located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest port in Massachusetts, and the third largest in New England by volume of cargo. The Port of Boston was historically significant during the American Revolution, as well as during the early days of the United States.

 Its industries include seafood processing (including seafood canning), lumber, steel and other metals (including copper and iron), chemicals, paper products, and food products such as candy and baked goods.

Shipping goods from China to Boston is not an easy task and requires a lot of knowledge and experience. All this can be handled by a freight forwarder who will make sure that your goods reach their destination safely and on time.

Conclusion 

There are many big ports in America, and it goes without saying that each of them is an important part of that state’s economy. This list gives you the details of all these ports, from New York to Texas, so you can see where they are located, how much cargo passes through each one every day, and much more about them. 

If you want to import goods from China to any of the ports mentioned above, feel free to contact Zggship. Zggship is a professional freight forwarder and customs clearance agent based in China. We offer door-to-door services for customers with high quality and competitive prices.