SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
GULF COAST TRADE AND LOGISTICS and positions Port Tampa Bay to support the evolving needs of its supply chain,” Alfonso said.
Preparing for increased volume With cargo volumes expected to increase, Gulf Coast ports are gearing up to minimize congestion, improve turn times and support supply chain reliability.
Port Freeport’ s two new super-post- Panamax cranes doubled the berth capacity for container vessels, and its recently expanded container yard added 15 acres of concrete paving. Gate 12, a new security gate, was installed in 2025 and has direct access to the container terminal. The port also plans to install a second radiation portal monitor at the gate.
Construction will begin on a second cross-dock at Port Freeport in 2026. Cross-Dock # 2 will be a temperaturecontrolled facility with cold and frozen storage, as well as a designated Agricultural Inspection Center for US Customs and Border Protection. The port anticipates delivery of this new facility by the third quarter of 2027.
A differentiator for Port Tampa Bay is its ongoing collaboration with terminal operators, tenants and transportation partners to actively manage cargo flows and respond to changing conditions.
“ This operational flexibility allows the port to adapt during peak demand periods, maintenance activities and unexpected disruptions, minimizing congestion and maintaining continuity,” Alfonso said.
Port Tampa Bay is also emerging as an efficient supply chain alternative for consumer products, including furniture, electronics, automobiles, fruits, beverages and other retail goods.
“ Shippers are increasingly using the port to serve the Southeast’ s largest and fastest-growing consumer market, reducing transit times and positioning inventory closer to end-users,” Alfonso said.
Florida’ s supply chains are largely southbound, creating an imbalance that the port helps to address.
“ With available truck and rail capacity, the port supports efficient northbound distribution to out-of-state markets,” Alfonso said.“ Many trucks entering Florida return northbound empty, creating lower-cost backhaul opportunities while reducing empty truck miles and supporting economic and environmental goals.”
The port’ s ongoing diversification and growth directly support Port Tampa Bay’ s Vision 2030 strategy, advancing its mission to strengthen Florida’ s economy through long-term, collaborative partnerships with public- and privatesector stakeholders.
“ Strong communication with customers and stakeholders underpins these efforts.
Through regular dialogue and coordinated planning, we’ re anticipating challenges, aligning resources and supporting consistent supply chain performance across a diverse range of cargoes,” Alfonso said. n
email: nicole. rollender @ strandwritingservices. com www. joc. com February 2, 2026 | Journal of Commerce 45