X marks the spot for global service
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JACKSONVILLE TRADE AND LOGISTICS
capacity to approximately 2 million TEUs.
“ With a 47-foot-deep channel, new equipment and expanded terminal capacity, the terminal is built to serve large vessels calling the US East Coast,” Peek said.
Overhead power lines adjacent to the SSA terminal will be raised to 205 feet by December to increase air-draft clearance for larger vessels.
“ For tenants evaluating logistics locations, the ability to receive goods from the largest vessel classes matters, and this puts Jaxport on par with the most modern facilities on the East Coast,” Margiotta said.
The port added two new container cranes at Blount Island, bringing the terminal’ s total to 11 container cranes and four rubber-tire gantry cranes.
Jaxport also upgraded Blount Island’ s entrance, including a new queuing lane to improve inbound traffic flow. The port will soon start construction of an inbound entrance located before the main gates, adding three new entrance lanes on the island’ s west side.
In addition, the port is adding a third radiation portal monitor to expedite outbound traffic.
“ Jaxport is one of the nation’ s top vehicle-handling ports, thanks in large part to the success of our vehicle processors— AMPORTS, Southeast Toyota Distributors and Enstructure,” Peek said.
To prepare for larger vessels and increased vehicle volume, the port is investing over $ 60 million to upgrade two berths at Blount Island. The upgrade of ro / ro Berth 22 is complete, and construction of ro / ro Berth 21 has begun and is set to be completed in early 2027.
Southeast Toyota Distributors opened a 380,000-square-foot processing facility at Blount Island earlier this year, capable of handling 4,000 vehicles per week. At Talleyrand Marine Terminal, operator Enstructure is expanding into vehicle processing and finished-vehicle logistics following Southeast Toyota’ s relocation of its operations.
Enstructure also took over operations at an existing 240,000-square-foot
Blount Island warehouse, contributing to the port’ s breakbulk segment. During the last fiscal year, volumes reached a fiveyear high of over 975,000 tons.
At the Dames Point Marine Terminal, cargo types include breakbulk, dry and liquid bulk, LNG and project cargo. Cargo movement is supported by two container cranes and an Intermodal Container Transfer Facility.
“ On the landside, improvements to vessel-to-rail connectivity at Talleyrand and Dames Point are enhancing intermodal options for tenants moving goods longer distances,” Margiotta said.“ All of this gives tenants confidence that Jacksonville’ s infrastructure will support their growth, which directly influences their willingness to sign long-term leases.”
Jaxport’ s partners in Jacksonville have made multimillion-dollar investments in LNG as an alternative marine fuel, including LNG-powered vessels and the development of landside bunkering and liquefaction plants.
“ We were the first US port to serve vessels powered by LNG with on-dock
X marks the spot for global service
Located in the Southeastern United States at the crossroads of the nation’ s rail and highway network, the Jacksonville Port Authority( Jaxport) is the global gateway to Florida, the nation’ s third-most-populous state.
Strategic location
More than 98 million US consumers live within a day’ s drive of Jacksonville, and Jaxport offers direct ocean services with 140 ports in 70 countries, including container service by each of the major ocean carrier alliances.
Efficient and reliable
With a 47-foot harbor, two-way river traffic, no wait at anchorage and open berthing windows, container ships remain on schedule at Jaxport, lowering costs for carriers and shippers.
Seamless transportation
To help freight reach locations around the US Southeast and American heartland, Jaxport’ s terminals integrate with three
US interstates, 150 + trucking firms, two intermodal facilities and 40 daily trains. This includes Class I railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern, regional rail line Florida East Coast Railway, and on-dock and near-dock rail providers.
Expertise and value
Jaxport is Florida’ s No. 1 container port by volume and one of the leading vehicle import / export centers in the United States. Abundant backhaul opportunities deliver savings to shippers.
Foreign-Trade Zone advantage Jaxport administers FTZ No. 64, enabling coverage at port terminals and across 10 counties. Companies can defer, reduce or eliminate customs duties while improving cash flow and operations.
Cold chain dedication
Jaxport provides an end-to-end cold chain solution, including ocean services with ample reefer capacity, 1,600 reefer plugs on dock, and nearby refrigerated and frozen warehousing offering 143 million cubic feet of space.
Room to grow
The area offers 156 million square feet of industrial warehousing and a regional workforce of 881,000, a combination allowing customer operations to scale efficiently as cargo volumes grow.
Customized shipping solutions Jaxport’ s experienced sales team can develop a personalized plan to benefit your business.
Contact Jaxport today or view customer success stories at: jaxport. com / cargo.
40 Journal of Commerce | April 6, 2026 www. joc. com