Over the past few years, the U.S. East Coast has quietly become the backbone of American imports. As trade routes shifted after the pandemic and carriers sent bigger ships through the expanded Panama Canal, East Coast ports took on record volumes that once flowed through the West.
Today, these ports aren’t just backup options — they’re strategic gateways feeding America’s biggest consumer markets, manufacturing hubs, and distribution networks. From New York’s massive terminals to Savannah’s lightning-fast rail links, each port plays a unique role in keeping store shelves stocked and factories running.
Here’s a look at the top East Coast ports by container traffic, how many TEUs they handled, and what kind of cargo moves through each.
1. Port of New York & New Jersey
2024 Throughput: ~8.7 million TEUs
The undisputed heavyweight of the East Coast.
The Port of New York and New Jersey sits at the doorstep of America’s largest consumer market — over 20 million people within a few hours’ drive. It’s where most imported electronics, apparel, furniture, and packaged goods first touch U.S. soil before heading to warehouses across the Northeast.
Thanks to deep channels and upgraded terminals, the port regularly handles the largest ships crossing the Atlantic. It’s also a major export point for wastepaper, plastics, and industrial goods heading back overseas.
Why it matters: When New York sneezes, the entire East Coast catches a cold. Any congestion here can ripple through regional warehouses and inland rail terminals from Pennsylvania to Ohio.
2. Port of Savannah (Georgia)
2024 Throughput: ~5.5 million TEUs
Savannah is the quiet overachiever — fast, efficient, and growing faster than almost any other U.S. port. Its Garden City Terminal is one of the largest single-operator container facilities in the Western Hemisphere, and its double-stack rail connections shoot cargo straight into the U.S. heartland.
Savannah handles everything from furniture and appliances to retail merchandise and food exports like poultry. The port’s southern location gives it year-round access with minimal weather disruption.
Why it matters: Savannah’s rail speed and terminal productivity have made it a favorite among big-box retailers and logistics providers looking to bypass West Coast congestion.
3. Port of Virginia (Norfolk)
2024 Throughput: ~3.5 million TEUs
Norfolk has quietly built a reputation for reliability. With one of the deepest natural harbors on the East Coast, it can accommodate the world’s largest container vessels with ease. The port’s automated terminals and extensive rail connections make it a preferred entry point for goods moving to the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
Cargo through Norfolk is diverse — autos, machinery, furniture, and agricultural exports all flow through here.
Why it matters: The Port of Virginia is often the “safety valve” when congestion builds up further north. It’s a strategic alternative for shippers who need speed without the bottlenecks.
4. Port of Charleston (South Carolina)
2024 Throughput: ~2.5 million TEUs
Charleston punches far above its weight. Its terminals are among the most productive on the East Coast, and its inland port network connects directly to regional manufacturing hubs in the Carolinas and Georgia.
The port handles retail imports, furniture, appliances, and increasingly, auto parts and finished vehicles. With major distribution centers nearby, Charleston has become a critical link in the Southeast supply chain.
Why it matters: Shippers love Charleston for its efficiency — quick turn times, fast rail service, and lower congestion costs compared to bigger hubs.
5. JAXPORT (Jacksonville, Florida)
2024 Throughput: ~1.34 million TEUs
JAXPORT is Florida’s logistics powerhouse. Sitting at the crossroads of U.S.–Caribbean trade, it handles everything from consumer goods to refrigerated perishables and autos. Its location gives it a unique advantage for last-mile distribution into Florida’s massive population centers.
It’s also a top U.S. port for vehicle exports and roll-on/roll-off cargo, adding to its versatility.
Why it matters: For shippers serving the Southeast or Caribbean, Jacksonville offers shorter truck hauls, solid cold-chain facilities, and fewer bottlenecks than congested megahubs.
6. PortMiami (Florida)
2024 Throughput: ~1.1 million TEUs
PortMiami is often called the “Gateway to the Americas.” It’s the main U.S. link for trade with Latin America and a vital hub for perishable goods, electronics, and high-value consumer products.
Its deepwater channels allow it to handle large container ships, and its proximity to Latin America makes it the go-to port for regional trade and transshipment.
Why it matters: When Latin American demand spikes — for food, electronics, or industrial inputs — Miami is the first U.S. port to feel it.
7. Port of Baltimore (Maryland)
2024 Throughput: ~740,000 TEUs
Baltimore may not top the TEU charts, but it leads the nation in vehicle and heavy machinery handling. Its specialized roll-on/roll-off terminals serve auto manufacturers, construction equipment exporters, and farm machinery producers.
It also moves moderate container volumes of retail goods and industrial materials.
Why it matters: For auto and equipment shippers, Baltimore isn’t just another port — it’s the gold standard. Its efficiency and specialization keep America’s car imports and heavy industry humming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the busiest East Coast port in the U.S.?
The Port of New York and New Jersey tops the list by a wide margin, handling around 8.7 million TEUs in 2024. Its proximity to major population centers like New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston makes it the key entry point for consumer goods arriving from Asia and Europe.
2. Which East Coast port is growing the fastest?
Savannah, Georgia, has seen the most rapid growth over the past decade. Thanks to major terminal expansions, deeper waterways, and top-tier rail connectivity, it’s now the preferred choice for many big-box retailers and e-commerce brands serving the U.S. Southeast and Midwest.
3. What types of cargo typically move through East Coast ports?
The cargo mix is incredibly diverse — consumer goods, furniture, electronics, autos, agricultural products, and refrigerated perishables are all major categories. Ports like Miami specialize in cold-chain cargo, while Baltimore dominates in vehicle and heavy equipment handling.
5. What’s driving the continued rise of East Coast container traffic?
Several factors: the expanded Panama Canal allowing larger ships from Asia, major infrastructure investments across East Coast terminals, and a strategic shift by retailers to diversify their port calls. Add to that growing Southeast populations and manufacturing clusters, and the trend isn’t slowing anytime soon.