Top 10 Busiest US Ports of Entry in 2026: Complete Guide for Importers & Import Customs Brokers
By FindCustomsBroker Team • June 1, 2026
Choosing the right port of entry can make or break your import timeline and costs in 2026. With ongoing tariff changes, nearshoring to Mexico and the Southeast, and record container volumes at certain gateways, knowing which US ports are handling the most cargo — and which local import customs brokers specialize there — is more important than ever.
Here’s the latest 2026 ranking of the top 10 busiest US container ports (based on TEU throughput), plus practical advice for importers.
Top 10 Busiest US Ports for Imports in 2026
| Rank | Port | 2026 TEU Volume (approx.) | Region | Key Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port of Los Angeles | ~10.3 million | West Coast | Consumer goods, electronics, Asia imports |
| 2 | Port of Long Beach | ~9.8–9.9 million | West Coast | Green port tech, high-volume retail |
| 3 | Port of New York & New Jersey | ~8.9–9.0 million | East Coast | Europe, machinery, Northeast distribution |
| 4 | Port of Savannah | ~5.7–5.8 million | East Coast | Fastest-growing, e-commerce, warehousing |
| 5 | Port of Houston | ~4.3 million | Gulf Coast | Energy, chemicals, Latin America trade |
| 6 | Port of Virginia (Norfolk) | ~3.2 million | East Coast | Mid-Atlantic distribution |
| 7 | Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle/Tacoma) | ~3.1 million | West Coast | Agriculture exports, Pacific Northwest |
Why Port Choice Matters More Than Ever in 2026
- Tariff impact: West Coast ports still dominate Asia trade but face higher scrutiny.
- Nearshoring boom: Savannah and Gulf ports are growing fastest due to Mexico/Central America shifts.
- Clearance speed: Local import customs brokers who know a specific port’s quirks can cut clearance time dramatically.
How to Find the Best Import Customs Broker at Your Port
Every major port has brokers who specialize in its unique requirements (rail connections, local CBP officers, commodity types, etc.).
Browse licensed import customs brokers by port →
Pro Tips for Importers in 2026
- Pair your port choice with a broker who has strong relationships at that specific CBP office.
- Factor in drayage costs, rail/truck access, and warehouse availability near the port.
- Use our free directory to compare brokers by port and specialty.
Ready to Find the Right Customs Broker for Your Port?
Don’t leave your clearance to chance. Search our free directory of CBP-licensed import customs brokers by port of entry today.
Action steps:
- Search licensed import customs brokers by port now
- Are you a broker? Claim your free listing and get 5 free importer leads
- Upgrade to Featured placement to attract more clients at your port
Have questions about a specific port or shipment? Leave a comment below — our team is happy to help connect you with the right expert.
Stay ahead of port trends. Bookmark this guide and check our Resources section for monthly updates.