PhilaPort ranked Nation’s Most Productive Container Port for third consecutive year

PhilaPort has once again been named the most productive container port in the United States, according to the 2025 Container Port Productivity Index (CPPI), published by the World Bank and Standard & Poor's (S&P). Widely recognized as the premier global benchmark for container port efficiency, the CPPI evaluates ports based on operational performance metrics that measure how effectively cargo moves through terminals.

In 2025, container cargo activity through PhilaPort supported more than 8,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, generated more than $905 million in labor income, and contributed nearly $1.2 billion in economic output throughout Pennsylvania.

The ranking marks the third consecutive year that PhilaPort has earned the top position among U.S. ports.

“Strategic investments by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in port facilities and transportation infrastructure continue to deliver results,” said PhilaPort Board Chair Michael Pearson. “Shippers and ocean carriers depend on cargo moving safely, efficiently, and reliably. This recognition confirms that PhilaPort delivers that performance better than any other port in the nation.”

PhilaPort was the only U.S. port ranked among the CPPI's Global Top 50, ranking 48th worldwide and second overall in North America. The port was also the only U.S. port to place among the Top 20 for performance improvement between 2020 and 2025.

“The credit for this achievement belongs to our dedicated waterfront workforce, our terminal operators, and the entire PhilaPort team,” said Richard Lazer, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of PhilaPort. “This recognition reflects years of investment by the Commonwealth, our terminal operators, and our port partners to strengthen infrastructure, improve operations, and enhance cargo flow throughout the port. We are also grateful for the leadership of former CEO Jeff Theobald, whose efforts to modernize infrastructure and expand terminal capacity helped position PhilaPort for continued success.”

Now in its fifth year, the CPPI evaluates 403 container ports worldwide using data that measures key performance indicators, including vessel turnaround times and overall port efficiency. The index relies primarily on AIS-based vessel call records and port and terminal operating data.

In addition to its strong CPPI performance, PhilaPort continues to lead the industry in cargo velocity, truck processing times, gate efficiency, and overall terminal operations. These advantages support the efficient movement of goods throughout Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region while strengthening supply chains for businesses and consumers alike.

The CPPI report highlighted “the growing recognition of ports as critical enablers of trade, competitiveness, and economic development,” noting that while port infrastructure requires significant investment, the resulting benefits include job creation, export growth, and broader economic gains.

According to the report, the CPPI “allows policymakers, port authorities, operators and development partners to observe how port performance evolves, responds to external shocks, and compares to peer groups.”

“With the additional land that we have acquired, as well as a new intermodal rail facility and our infrastructure improvements, we are confident that we can grow productivity even further,” Pearson added.

Significant investments by Holt Logistics, operator of Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, have also helped to drive this success, including new cargo-handling equipment, technology upgrades, refrigerated container infrastructure, and on-dock inspection facilities.

The benefits of a highly productive port extend far beyond terminal gates. Efficient cargo movement helps lower transportation costs, strengthen supply chains, attract additional shipping services, and support thousands of family-sustaining jobs throughout Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley.

Lazer concluded, “We have the best labor force and excellent facilities. With continued Commonwealth investments, we can further improve our global standing, grow container volumes, and attract additional ocean carrier services. Global shippers and ocean carriers look closely at productivity rankings when making routing decisions, and our performance helps position Pennsylvania for long-term economic growth.”