North American Container Port Capacity: A Literature Review

Abstract

International marine container volumes have surged over the last several decades, but North American ports and their supporting container distribution networks have struggled to increase capacity to match this expansion. This article seeks to review and organize existing container network capacity literature into a taxonomy based on the interrelated stakeholders of container flows. The article first establishes the industry capacity situation, then examines research of capacity influences from stakeholders, including port authorities, terminal operators, longshore labor, shippers, railroads, drayage carriers, intermediaries, ocean carriers, governments, and local communities. Ultimately, the article attempts to establish the urgency of container network capacity problems and identify areas needing further research.