Port Houston Surpasses Two Million TEU Mark in Record Time

Port Houston, the fifth-largest container port in the nation, is off to a record pace in 2024, having surpassed 2 million TEUs in record time.

In the first six months of the year, the port successfully handled 2,098,117 TEUs across its terminals, marking a 13% year-to-date increase compared to the same period last year. In June alone, the port managed 339,157 TEUs, reflecting a 7% increase compared to June 2023.

“Houston’s robust economy plays a pivotal role in the success of our container terminals. The city’s dynamic economic landscape, driven by diverse industries such as energy, manufacturing, technology, and population growth, fosters increased consumer demand and industrial activity,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston. “Port Houston is responding to the needs of the region by ensuring infrastructure is in place to receive cargo and prepare for future growth.” This June, the port received six additional rubber-tired gantry (RTG) hybrid-electric cranes, the fourth of five total deliveries for this year. Port Houston has acquired 26 new RTGs since December 2023.

Increased demand for goods and consumer spending on items such as furniture, hardware, retail goods, and food drove Port Houston’s loaded import volumes up 5% in June compared to the same month last year. Loaded exports also saw a significant increase, rising 11% this month to total 114,728 TEUs. Year-to-date loaded exports are up 14% at 769,844 TEUs.

General cargo was down 10% year-to-date at Port Houston’s multipurpose facilities, while steel imports increased 2% this month compared to June 2023. Additionally, plywood has surged 4,215% year-to-date, though it remains relatively small in total volume at 45,013 short tons. Total tonnage across all facilities remains positive, with a 5% increase in the first half of the year compared to last year.

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