Freight Volumes at the 12 Top US Ports Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels

In 2022, 40% of the US's international freight value passed through the top 12 maritime ports, per the DOT. Above is a closer look at the performance of these ports over the past six years.

Quick Stats:

• Pre-Pandemic Levels: Top ports managed around 46 million TEUs from 2018 to 2020.

• Pandemic Peak: This shot up over 53 million TEUs during the 2021-2022 frenzy.

• Normalization?: 2023 saw a settling at 46.67 million TEUs, but what's next?

Congestion and Delays: 2021 and 2022 will be remembered for their logistical logjams. Ports were scenes straight out of a strategist’s puzzle, with containers stacked like giant Lego blocks.

Looking Ahead:With 2023's figures just above the 2019 record, we're all eyes on 2024. Will it be smooth sailing or are we bracing for more bottlenecks? Port volumes offer a real-time pulse on these shifts.

Industry pros say, keep an eye on this space—port data doesn’t just reflect now; it helps forecast tomorrow. Maritime gateways mirror our economy, telling tales of demand, supply, and the ever-pivotal consumer appetite.

Source: Supply Chain Dive

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