5 Largest Ports in the US: Key Gateways Driving America’s Trade

When you think of the five largest ports in the US, you are looking at the gateways through which massive volumes of trade flow. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in 2022 the Port of Houston handled nearly 294 million short tons of cargo, making it the largest by tonnage in the United States.

Simultaneously, the Port of Los Angeles, on the TEU side, processed more than 8.6 million TEUs in 2023. The scale of these processes is able to affect the hiring, the logistics, the consumer goods’ availability, and even the nation’s security. If any of these ports experience a slowdown or disruption, the whole economy would suffer. Thus, when we mention the largest ports in the US, we are talking about essential elements of the national trade infrastructure and US port rankings within the global trade network of major US ports.

The importance of a ‘largest port’ in US trade and economy

The main idea behind a port being among the largest ports in the US is that it implies a number of things. To begin with, it is either measured in tonnage or in TEUs and thus a high volume of cargo passing through it. For example, tonnage-heavy ports often specialise in bulk goods like petroleum, chemicals, grain; container-heavy ones handle the boxes filled with everyday consumer items.

The largest ports in the US become hubs for logistics and supply chain networks, connecting ships, rail, trucks, warehouses. They also draw business investment because firms want proximity to efficient trade gateways. On the flip side, being large means high complexity, labour coordination, environmental constraints, port infrastructure upgrades, and the cost of inefficiency is high.

Consider the Port of Los Angeles: in 2024 it processed some 10.3 million TEUs, nearly a 20 % rise over 2023. That growth did not come from magic, it came from strategic alignment of terminals, rail, trucking, policy. This implies that in considering the five largest ports in the US, the size factor alone will not suffice, and also the performance, adaptation, and connection to the larger flow should be taken into account across US container ports.

The 5 largest ports in the US

Here are the five largest ports in the US, with a brief look at what sets each apart.

1. Port of Houston (Texas)

In terms of capacity, the Port of Houston ranks first by handling approximately 293.8 million short tons of cargo in 2022 as per the BTS/USACE data. Its strength lies in the Gulf Coast ports energy corridor: crude oil exports, petrochemicals, refined products, and related logistics dominate. The port’s deep-water channels and dense network of terminals make it highly efficient for these flows. It also has a broad domestic impact: companies that rely on its output include refineries, chemical plants, heavy industrial operations. If you try to visualise the largest ports in the US by tonnage, Houston is the powerhouse. But one must note: for container trade (TEUs) it does not lead; different metrics show different leaders among American shipping ports.

1. Largest by total tonnage:The port handled around 293.8 million short tons in the year 2022, thus becoming the U.S. port with the highest total cargo tonnage and part of the leading US ports by tonnage.
2. Energy hub:It is an energy hub by specializing in the export of petroleum, chemicals, and LNG, and, consequently, being a part of the huge Gulf Coast ports corridor pipeline.
3. Economic impact:Over a period of one year, the port brings $800 billion to the U.S. economy and it nearly 1.35 million jobs in Texas.
4. Infrastructure expansion:Project 11 is the deepening and widening of the program to enable the port to have a water depth of 46.5 feet, which will allow larger vessels to access the port, improving cargo handling capacity.

2. Port of Los Angeles (California)

On the container side, the Port of Los Angeles is the biggest in the US. In 2023 it handled 8.63 million TEUs, retaining its top spot for container volume. In 2024 it pushed past 10 million TEUs (approx. 10.3 million) and posted about 20 % growth over 2023.

This port functions as the major Pacific ports gateway for goods arriving from Asia, electronics, clothing, auto parts, and distributes inland via rail and truck. Its influence extends beyond California: much of the US interior receives goods that first arrive here. Because of that, when the largest ports in the US are discussed, Los Angeles must be included. Its performance serves as a barometer for container trade health in the country and shows its dominance in container port statistics USA.

1. The largest US port for containers:The port has taken care of 8.63 million TEUs in 2023 and approximately 10.3 million TEUs in 2024, thus keeping its position of supremacy and often cited in US port rankings.
2. Gateway to the Asia-Pacific:Receives the bulk of U.S. imports from Asia, such as consumer electronics, clothes, and car parts, showcasing the economic impact of ports.
3. Eco-friendly projects:Implements the Clean Air Action Plan, which has cut diesel emissions by over 80% since the year 2005.
4. Data network:Unveiled Port Optimizer, a digital data-sharing platform that improves visibility and the efficiency of the logistics and supply chain.

3. Port of Long Beach (California)

The Port of Long Beach, which is very much associated with Los Angeles, is located next to and acts as a significant container hub. The preliminary figures for 2024 indicate that it processed roughly 8.8 million TEUs during the first eleven months, which is an increase of approximately 20 % as compared to the previous year. It is expected to complete the year with around 9.6 million TEUs.

What makes Long Beach interesting is that it handles diverted cargo flows when other ports face congestion or labour issues. Because of its scale, it figures among the largest ports in the US in terms of container volume and stands among the largest cargo ports in America. For someone studying trade infrastructure, considering both Los Angeles and Long Beach is essential to understand the US maritime trade hubs.

1. The second-largest container port:This port handled approximately 9.6 million TEUs in 2024, which means it was responsible for almost a third of all containers being moved on the U.S. West Coast.
2. The sustainability leader:It has made a commitment to purchase only zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and it plans to become carbon neutral by the year 2035.
3. The efficient twin-port system:It operates together with Los Angeles, forming the San Pedro Bay Port Complex that manages around 40% of U.S. imports and stands out in ports in the US ranked by container volume.
4. The expansion projects:The Middle Harbor Terminal redevelopment project valued at $1.5 billion will increase the capacity and automation efficiency within freight transportation

4. Port of New York & New Jersey (New York/New Jersey)

On the East Coast, the Port of New York & New Jersey stands out. It is the largest east coast port in the US and ranked third in the nation by container volume in recent years. For example, in 2023 it handled 7.81 million TEUs.

The port plays a critical role in linking Atlantic ports trade, Europe, and Asia via the Suez and Panama routes, and funnels goods into the populous Northeast corridor. Because the largest ports in the US must include geographic spread, New York/New Jersey fills the East Coast gateway slot. Its performance impacts major population centres, major retail networks, and inland transport to the Midwest via rail and truck.

1. Biggest port on East Coast:Dealt with approximately 7.81 million TEUs in 2023, which placed it at third place in the country regarding container volume and among top ports in America.
2. Huge consumer access:It caters to a market of more than 20 million people and it is the country’s largest metropolitan area.
3. Important improvements:The Bayonne Bridge Rise the Roadway project created a height of 215 feet for new Panamax ships’ access, improving port infrastructure and container throughput.
4. Monetary impact:Over $25 billion in business income is generated and 400,000 regional jobs are sustained, reinforcing the maritime economy.

5. Port of Savannah (Georgia)

Finishing off the list, the Savannah port has been recognized as a star which is slowly coming up in the rankings of the largest ports in the US concerning container volume. The port has executed the processing of approximately 5.6 million TEUs in 2024, which is an annual increment of 12.5%. Even though the port’s volume is still lower than that of the top three, its rapid growth and strategic position on the southeast coast of the US make it significant.

This makes it a great path for imports to the U.S. Southeast and Midwest by rail/road links. For those monitoring trade flows, considering Savannah as one of the top ports in America indicates alterations in routing, logistics and supply chain enhancing, and port infrastructure developments.

1. Fastest-growing container port:In 2024, around 5.6 million TEUs were handled, which is a year-on-year increase of 12.5%, making it one of the fastest growing ports in the United States.
2. Strong inland connectivity:Its main feature is the connection to the major U.S. rail hubs through the Garden City Terminal, with the availability of two Class I railroads on the site, key to US coastal shipping routes.
3. Expansion focus:The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) allowed for the deepening of the channel to 47 feet, thus making way for the larger ships.
4. Strategic distribution hub:It has become a logistics gateway for retailers since it serves almost 80% of the U.S. population within a two-day truck drive and is among major import export ports in America.

Key trends to watch in the largest US ports

There are three trends worth noting when thinking about the largest ports in the US.

1. First of all, the total volume of containers has come to changes. Even though the West Coast represented by Los Angeles and Long Beach has always been in the forefront concerning the import of containers, now the ports on the East and Gulf Coasts like Savannah and Houston have started earning more volume of flows due to the expansion of the Panama Canal, the uncertainty of labor, and better inland connectivity.
2. Secondly, the tonnage and container volumes are of different ways to measure the ports’ importance. Houston could be the leading port regarding short tons but not in TEUs or vice versa. In discussions of the largest ports in the US, the measurement must be clarified, especially when evaluating port trade volume.
3. Thirdly, the ports’ infrastructureand their ability to adapt are crucial. The biggest ports in the United States are making investments in deeper waterways, bigger cranes, rail links to the interior, and environmentally friendly practices. An instance of this is the Port of Los Angeles which had the installation of cranes that could accommodate mega-ships done in 2024.

Another trend: disruptions and resilience. Because the largest ports in the US carry so much cargo, they are vulnerable to labour issues, weather events, policy shifts, but they also lead in recovery efforts. When you consider the largest ports in the US you should think not simply of their current size but of their capacity to evolve and sustain top seaports for US trade and shipping.

Conclusion & takeaway

If you step back, the five largest ports in the US (Houston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah) represent the backbone of American shipping ports and US maritime trade hubs. They handle enormous volumes and influence how goods arrive, move inland, and reach consumers. What this really means for you, from content, logistics, business or policy perspective, is that port performance matters for much more than ships. Supply chains, labor markets, consumer prices, and regional economies are all affected.

Thus, if you hear someone mentioning the largest US ports next time, keep in mind that it is not only the size but also the interdependence, effectiveness, and flexibility that counts. In a way, the largest port in the US today can keep its title of the busiest port in the US tomorrow only if it competes with change and sustains its economic impact of ports within the maritime economy.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the largest port in the United States by tonnage?
 A: The Port of Houston holds this title due to its extensive tonnage-based cargo operations.

Q: Which port handles the most containers in the US?
 A: The Port of Los Angeles leads the US port rankings in container throughput.

Q: List of top 5 largest ports in the US?
 A: Houston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, and Savannah.