SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JACKSONVILLE TRADE AND LOGISTICS

Jacksonville Port Authority

By Nicole Rollender

Jaxport’ s terminals generate approximately $ 44 billion in annual economic output.

Seaports handle over 90 % of global trade, serving as gateways for commercial and industrial growth. As global supply chains are placed under increasing pressure, ports in the US and across the world continue to compete for volume and investments.

The Jacksonville Port Authority( Jaxport), Florida’ s largest container port, boasts three marine cargo terminals that support over 228,000 jobs and generate approximately $ 44 billion in annual economic output.

As one of the fastest-growing container gateways in the Southeast, Jaxport also serves international markets and supports domestic supply chains for Florida and Puerto Rico.

“ Jaxport is attractive to shippers and logistics providers because of its strategic location, global reach, modern transportation and port infrastructure, and our dedication to customer service,” said Robert Peek, chief commercial officer at Jaxport.

The port’ s strong maritime and logistics infrastructure can be credited to its location in Northeast Florida. Three major interstates( I-95, I-10 and I-75) and three railroads— CSX, Norfolk Southern and the regional Florida East Coast Railway— provide integrated intermodal connections, including on-dock and neardock rail.

“ The transportation infrastructure provides a seamless gateway to the US Southeast,” Peek said.“ More than 98 million consumers live within a day’ s drive of Jaxport, and with Florida now the nation’ s third most populous state, our location provides the most advantageous option to reach those consumers.”

Jaxport offers dozens of ocean carrier services across all cargo types, connecting to more than 140 ports in over 70 countries.

“ Our international ocean carrier partners are essential to success,” said Jaxport CEO Eric Green.“ We’ re committed to supporting their growth at Jaxport. Through investments in new berths, modern cranes, a deeper harbor and upgraded terminal facilities, we’ ve strengthened our capabilities. In response, global carriers have added new services and expanded existing ones.”

In 2015, Crowley Liner Services, a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Corporation, signed an expanded, long-term lease agreement with the port. Under the 20-year terms, Crowley relocated its Puerto Rican service from a private terminal along Jacksonville’ s harbor to Jaxport’ s Talleyrand Marine Terminal.

“ This market has also drawn customer interest because it isn’ t experiencing the same berth congestion seen at other ports, enabling faster truck turns, predictable vessel operations and improved supply chain reliability,” said Andy Davis, vice president of operations at Crowley.

From a real estate perspective, the port’ s location continues to drive tenant interest.

“ You’ re sitting at the crossroads of I-95 and I-10, with one-day truck access to millions of consumers,” said Charles Margiotta, partner and chief investment officer at InLight Real Estate Partners.“ Add a 47-foot deepwater channel, Class I railroads and Jacksonville International Airport all within a tight radius, and it’ s easy to see why companies want to be here.”

38 Journal of Commerce | April 6, 2026 www. joc. com