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Graphic Version
With so many factors, perhaps best not to reinvent the wheel and instead use an existing list:
Based on nationally consistent source Data in the public domain or a Federal source Potentially port level detailGraphic Version
Other Factors
Aggregating terminal data and metrics Impact of inactive terminals International vs. Regional trade Seasonal tradeGraphic Version
Port Connectivity Varies
Coastal Great Lake Inland Road Access Rail Access Barge Access PipelinesGraphic Version
Port Activities Vary
Dry Bulk Liquid Bulk Break Bulk Project Cargo Container Ro-Ro Ferry/CruiseGraphic Version
Jurisdictional vs. Geographic Definition
Port Authorities focused on terminals under their jurisdiction Variation in legal status Public vs Private vs Joint Complicates data availability Other agencies may group data...Graphic Version
Ports vary greatly in size
a single wharf or quay collection of terminals multi-mile stretches along a riverGraphic Version
Dry Bulk
As opposed to liquid bulk or break bulk Usually “dropped” cargo Bauxite, cement, coal, chemicals, iron, grains Unpacked and Homogenous Measure by Weight?Graphic Version
Containers
Counts vs TEUs vs FEUs Full vs Empty Transshipment Cross BorderGraphic Version
Tonnage
What does it include? Everything, even the shipping containers themselves Metric vs Short 1,000 kg vs 2,000 lbs. 5Graphic Version
“The Director shall establish, on behalf of the Secretary, a port performance statistics program to provide nationally consistent measures of performance of, at a minimum—
(1) the Nation's top 25 ports by tonnage;
(2) the Nation's top...