From Arnold & Itkin Trial Lawyers: Top 10 US Ports: Balancing Commerce & Worker Safety

A nice summary of the top ten ports in the United States. The Port of Houston is #5. It also discusses worker safety issues associated with each.

- Click here for the article.

Approximately 360 sea and river ports serve as the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, facilitating the flow of more than 2 billion tons of cargo in and out of the country every year. In addition to moving goods, these ports support millions of jobs, drive technological advancement, and contribute significantly to local and national economies.

America’s busiest ports, from the sprawling complexes of Los Angeles and New York to the strategic hubs of Savannah and Houston, are the driving force behind the country’s status as a key player in global trade. Not only will we consider—and rank—the busiest ports in the United States, but we will reflect on the challenges faced by workers and what role the companies operating at America’s ports can play in keeping them safe.

First, let’s look at the nation’s busiest ports, based on the number of 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs, a measure of volume in units of 20-foot-long containers) they handled in 2022.

. . . 5. Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is fifth on our list of America’s busiest ports with over 3.9 million TEUs. It has two container terminals and the largest petrochemical production facility in the U.S.

Key Features: The Port of Houston is the largest port in the Gulf of Mexico and its operations contribute to about $265 billion in revenue each year. Its economic impact is significant, generating approximately 1.35 million jobs in Texas and 3.2 million jobs nationwide. After petroleum, the Port of Houston’s major exports include oils, plastics, mineral products, wood, steel, iron, and fertilizers.