Article

US marine terminals are essential for international trade, processing 56 million containers in 2024. Containerization, initiated in 1956, increased cargo handling efficiency but reduced the stevedore workforce by 85%.

Current operations differ from global counterparts, with unique chassis handling and limited automation. Future terminal capacity growth is uncertain due to local governance and limited new facilities since 2009. Solutions include modernization, labor rule changes, extended hours, and automation, though cost and union agreements pose challenges.