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  • Writer's pictureFrank Peterpaul

"The Pivotal Role of TEU Capacity in Major U.S. Ports: A Comprehensive Overview"


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The United States, with its sprawling coasts and busy rivers, boasts an impressive network of ports. They are instrumental not just to America's trading partnerships, but to the world economy at large. One critical measure of a port's capacity is its Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) value, a standard unit for cargo volume that signifies the carrying capacity of container ships and terminals. This article will explore the TEU capacity of major U.S. ports, shining a light on how this measure influences trade, logistics, and overall economic health.

Understanding TEU and its Impact

Before we delve into specifics, it is crucial to understand what TEU means. The acronym stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, the invariable unit of cargo capacity that equates to a standard shipping container's size. This unit allows for a consistent, unified method of measuring a ship's cargo carrying capacity. For instance, a vessel that can carry 5,000 TEU can load 5,000 20-foot containers.

The larger a port's TEU capacity, the more significant its role in the global trade network. It denotes not only the volume of cargo the port can handle but also the size of vessels it can accommodate. Larger vessels, known as 'megaships', often exceeding 18,000 TEU, are more cost-efficient, reducing the cost per unit of cargo transported. Thus, ports with higher TEU capacity tend to attract these larger vessels, significantly influencing the ports' throughput and overall economic contribution.

Exploring Major U.S. Ports and Their TEU Capacity

  1. Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles stands as the busiest in the United States by TEU volume. It processed approximately 9.2 million TEUs in 2022, a considerable increase from the preceding years. The port has continuously invested in infrastructure and equipment to handle larger container ships, ensuring it maintains its leading position in cargo handling.

  1. Port of Long Beach

Neighboring the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach is the second busiest port in the U.S., handling over 8 million TEUs in 2022. Together, these two ports form a critical hub of the trans-Pacific trade route, serving as the primary point of entry for Asian imports.

  1. Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest on the U.S. East Coast, handling around 7.5 million TEUs in 2022. It is the main point of entry for European imports and plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade between the U.S. and Europe.

  1. Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah ranks as the fourth busiest U.S. port and second busiest on the East Coast. It processed approximately 4.6 million TEUs in 2022. The port has seen a consistent increase in TEU volume over the past decade due to its advanced infrastructure and its strategic position serving the Southeastern U.S.

  1. Port of Houston

The Port of Houston, the largest in the Gulf Coast region, processed around 3.2 million TEUs in 2022. It plays a significant role in facilitating trade with Latin America and is a vital point of import for petroleum products.


The TEU capacity of a port is a key determinant of its potential in global trade. Ports with a higher TEU capacity are more equipped to handle larger volumes of cargo, contributing significantly to the economy's vitality. The continued growth and expansion of the TEU capacity in major U.S. ports signal the nation's commitment to enhancing its global trade capabilities and readiness for future challenges in logistics and supply chain management.

As we move forward, we can expect to see an increased focus on improving port efficiency and TEU handling capabilities, including investments in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable practices to ensure that U.S. ports remain competitive on the world stage.

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