Biggest and Busiest Ports in the United States
In global trade, ports in the United States are more than just transit points; they’re vital pillars of productivity, powering economic growth and guiding goods across borders. From the largest ports to rising regional routes, these shipping centres shape freight flows, strengthen supply chains, and support forwarder success.
At DF Alliance, we work closely with US shipping ports and logistics partners to simplify complex cargo movement. In this blog, we’ll break down the key trends, throughput, and trade impacts shaping the main ports in the US, and show how they continue to connect clients, countries, and commerce with confidence.
Table of contents
- Understanding the Role of Ports in U.S. Trade and Logistics
- What is the Biggest Port in the United States?
- Top 10 Largest and Busiest Ports in the U.S. (2025)
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of Long Beach
- Port of New York and New Jersey
- Port of Savannah
- Port of Houston
- Port of Virginia (Norfolk)
- Port of Seattle-Tacoma (Northwest Seaport Alliance)
- Port of Charleston
- Port of Oakland
- Port of Miami (PortMiami)
- DF Alliance’s Insight: Why It Matters
- Final Thoughts from DF Alliance
Understanding the Role of Ports in U.S. Trade and Logistics
Ports are the powerhouse of trade, forming the foundation for fast, fluid freight movement, both nationally and globally. These pivotal points in the United States shipping ports handle everything from food and fuel to fashion and furniture, keeping cargo flowing with confidence and consistency.
As essential engines of the economy, US shipping ports drive import and export activity, streamline supply chains, and spark sustainable growth, all while stimulating steady, strong GDP growth.
Each port acts as a high-performance hub, contributing through key metrics like:
- TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units): Tracking the total volume of container cargo.
- Cargo tonnage: Measuring the mass of goods transported.
- Vessel calls: Counting how often ships stop at each port annually.
- National and global rankings: Reflecting a port’s performance, prestige, and presence in world trade.
In short, the main ports in the US serve as strategic and smart connectors, powering progress for freight forwarders, businesses, and the broader economy.
What is the Biggest Port in the United States?
“Biggest” can be measured in several ways, by total cargo tonnage or the physical size of port infrastructure. In global shipping, however, container volume measured in TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) is often considered the strongest standard, as it clearly reflects how much containerised cargo a port handles each year.
The Port of Los Angeles, set along San Pedro Bay in the heart of Los Angeles, California, stands as the largest U.S. port by container volume. In 2024, it moved more than 9.9 million TEUs, securing its place among the world’s top trading hubs. Spanning 7,500 acres and 43 miles of scenic waterfront, it handles a steady stream of consumer goods, cutting-edge electronics, fine furniture, and auto parts. Connecting the United States to major Asian markets, it serves as the country’s leading link for trans-Pacific trade, moving goods with speed, scale, and strategic efficiency.
- Location: San Pedro Bay, Los Angeles, California
- Core Operations: consumer goods, cutting-edge electronics, fine furniture, and auto parts
- Capacity: 7,500 acres, 43 miles of waterfront
- Global Role: Primary trans-Pacific trade gateway, linking U.S. markets to Asia with speed and scale
Top 10 Largest and Busiest Ports in the U.S. (2025)
Ranked by container volume in TEUs, these powerhouse ports, throughput projections and port authority reports represent the nation’s most prominent points of trade.
1. Port of Los Angeles
Celebrated as the largest shipping port in the US and a crucial connector to key Asian markets, the Port of Los Angeles blends capacity and connectivity. Managing millions of containers filled with electronics, everyday essentials, and auto parts, it moves over 9.9 million TEUs each year.
- TEUs: 9.9 million
- Annual Cargo Tonnage: 216 million metric revenue tons (MMRT)
- Core Commodities: Electronics, everyday essentials, and engineered auto parts
- Top Five Containerized Imports (TEUs):
- Furniture (676,431)
- Auto parts (375,156)
- Apparel (349,063)
- Plastic products (293,218)
- Electronics (221,810)
- Top Five Containerized Exports (TEUs):
- Recyclable paper (198,287)
- Pet/animal feed (181,190)
- Soybeans (115,000)
- Recyclable metal (102,372)
- Automobiles (63,570)
- Top Five Trading Partners (Cargo Value):
- China/Hong Kong – $120 billion
- Japan – $42 billion
- Vietnam – $40 billion
- South Korea – $25 billion
- Taiwan – $18 billion
- Key Feature: Automated advancements and clean cargo initiatives
2. Port of Long Beach
Known globally for its green growth goals and groundbreaking infrastructure, Long Beach Port USA stands as one of the largest shipping hubs in the nation. Processing over 9.1 million TEUs, it plays a pivotal part in powering trans-Pacific trade.
- TEUs: 9.1 million
- Core Commodities: Furniture, fashion, and electronics
- Key Feature: Leader in low-emission loading and logistics technology
3. Port of New York and New Jersey
Among the busiest shipping ports in the United States, this East Coast connector of commerce links North America to nations across the Atlantic. Managing more than 9.4 million TEUs, it serves a massive metropolitan market and showcases significant structural upgrades, including the Bayonne Bridge expansion.
- TEUs: 9.4 million
- Core Commodities: Machinery, manufactured beverages, medical pharmaceuticals
- Top Five Containerized Imports (TEUs):
- Petroleum: $6.78 billion
- Appliances: $3.80 billion
- Vehicles: $2.59 billion
- Plastics: $1.72 billion
- Electronics: $1.46 billion
- Key Feature: Strategic stronghold for swift, seamless transatlantic shipping
4. Port of Savannah
Among the fastest-growing United States shipping ports, Savannah serves as a central channel for commerce, celebrated for cargo handling and convenient rail links to the Midwest. Its Garden City Terminal is one of the largest in North America, moving an impressive 5.8 million TEUs each year.
- TEUs: 5.8 million
- Annual Cargo Tonnage: 37.77 million metric revenue tons (FY2020)
- Core Commodities: Agricultural assets, retail resources, and construction cargo
- Key Feature: Solid, seamless rail service to major inland hubs
5. Port of Houston
A dominant Gulf Coast driver, the Port of Houston directs dense flows of chemical and cargo commerce, delivering decisive volumes of petrochemical exports and imports. Handling 4 million TEUs annually, it claims a distinguished place among the US's largest shipping ports
by tonnage and vessel calls.
- TEUs: 4 million
- Core Commodities: Chemicals, crude containers, plastics
- Annual Cargo Tonnage: 212 million metric revenue tons (MMRT)
- Key Feature: Dominant energy export infrastructure
6. Port of Virginia (Norfolk)
With the East Coast’s deepest channels, the Port of Virginia easily receives extra-large ships. Exporting 3.7 million TEUs, it’s enhancing rail routes for rapid, reliable inland reach.
- TEUs: 3.7 million
- Core Commodities: Agricultural assets, retail resources, military materials
- Key Feature: East Coast leader in intermodal rail efficiency
7. Port of Seattle-Tacoma (Northwest Seaport Alliance)
This Pacific Northwest port is a strategic pillar, skillfully linking the U.S. to Asian markets with specialised cold-chain systems and state-of-the-art terminals, shipping 3.4 million TEUs with precision and sustainable practices.
- TEUs: 3.4 million
- Core Commodities: Seafood, smart electronics, and apparel
- Key Feature: Pioneering port for progressive, planet-friendly cold-chain practices
8. Port of Charleston
Charleston couples container and RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) capabilities with convenient rail connections. Carrying 2.8 million TEUs, it recently completed the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal expansion to increase capacity and refine regional transport.
- TEUs: 2.8 million
- Core Commodities: Cars, consumer retail, critical industrial components
- Key Feature: Trailblazing terminal capacity and connected rail corridors
9. Port of Oakland
A trusted California trade centre, the Port of Oakland transports 2.3 million TEUs of top-tier tech goods and treasured commodities, championing cargo digitisation and clean shipping practices.
- TEUs: 2.3 million
- Core Commodities: Top-tier tech goods, treasured commodities, fruits, and vegetables
- Key Feature: Cargo digitization and clean shipping practices
10. Port of Miami (PortMiami)
One of the most versatile United States ports, PortMiami balances cruise operations with container shipping, connecting closely with Latin America and the Caribbean.
- TEUs: 1.2 million
- Annual Cargo Tonnage: 7.42 million metric revenue tons (MMRT)
- Core Commodities: Tropical produce, textiles, beverages
- Key Feature: Central conduit for Caribbean and Latin American freight
DF Alliance’s Insight: Why It Matters
At DF Alliance, we know major shipping ports in the US need precise planning and proactive partnerships. Whether bringing in goods from East Asia or sending supplies to Europe, port performance, and partnering with the US Port Authority, keeps cargo consistently clear and constantly moving.
Our TMS connects checkpoints, from port planning to prompt pickup, giving you clear control and cargo-friendly coordination.
From Long Beach’s clean cargo corridors to Norfolk’s rapid rail routes, we keep your supply chain smooth and successful.
Final Thoughts from DF Alliance
From coast to coast, America’s ports power trade through strategic locations, trusted strength, and advanced technology. Shippers and forwarders depend on the right port and partner, and the largest US ports by tonnage deliver that support by moving massive volumes that keep cargo flowing and commerce thriving.
At DF Alliance, we fuel freight with dependable data, dynamic TMS tools, and deep partnerships across the US port network. Contact us at DF Alliance to keep your cargo competitive and your business risk-ready with tailored insurance and digital solutions.
