Bulk Cargo

The type of cargo that has long formed the foundation for Tampa being the No. 1 cargo port in the Sunshine State.

Our Foundation

Port Tampa Bay Has Ample Capacity for Handling Bulk Cargo
Clean up volunteers

In 2014, Port Tampa Bay completed a refurbishment of the Richard E. Knight (REK) petroleum terminal complex. This provides the key link for meeting the needs of Central Florida consumers plus the aviation fuel demands of the Orlando International Airport. The redevelopment of the REK petroleum terminal has modernized and improved the efficiency, navigation and safety of operations.

Petroleum and related products continue to represent the largest volume commodity sector at Port Tampa Bay, with over 17 million tons of oil, gas and jet fuel moving through the port in a typical year.

STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY

Port Tampa Bay’s diverse cargo mix is one of the key advantages of Florida’s largest cargo port.

Shippers, freight forwarders, 3PL’s and manufacturers alike are all looking for new, faster, cheaper and better alternatives to deliver their products to their market. With our expanded infrastructure and intermodal capabilities they’re now looking at Port Tampa Bay.

Port Tampa Bay is the largest and most diverse port in Florida, serving the 10th largest economy (Tampa Bay/Orlando I-4 corridor) which is now the 3rd largest state in the U.S. We handle a wide variety of break bulk cargoes including steel, forest products, bagged cement and fertilizers, not to mention our expanding container, Ro-Ro and bulk business.

With an abundance of land and intermodal infrastructure improvements, Port Tampa Bay has steadily increased its capacity and created innovative ways to bring break bulk and other products to market.

AMPLE CAPACITY

In addition to nearly 500,000 square feet of warehouse and transit shed capacity, our general cargo docks feature more than 6,000 feet of linear berth and close proximity to the port’s container terminal with 5 Gantry cranes and a Gottwald mobile harbor crane.

Port Tampa Bay’s newly expanded capabilities include a dedicated ramp to the interstate highway system. Coming soon, a new terminal under construction will add approximately 20 acres of laydown activity and 1,000 feet of linear berth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a shipment?

  • If you are scheduling a shipment for export or import via Port Tampa Bay, visit our Sailing Schedule page to contact one of our ocean carriers.
  • If you need help with your logistics, there is a list of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders in our online Directory.

What will Port Tampa Bay charge me to ship my shipment?

No, individual shippers are not charged. Rates are charged to the port terminal operators and ocean carriers.

How do I track my shipment?

  • Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.

Can I ship goods to Europe or South America via Port Tampa Bay?

Visit our Sailing Schedule page to view all of our ocean carriers. Multiple connection points are available.

Does the Port sell shipping containers, how to buy containers?

  • The Port does not own or sell shipping containers.
  • For a listing of companies that do sell containers please, visit our online Directory under 'container & chassis sales, lease & repair'.

I bought an item from (insert country) and it says that the item is coming to Tampa?

"Tampa" does not mean that the "Port of Discharge" is the Port of Tampa/Port Tampa Bay.
Check your paperwork and review the Port of Discharge or the Final Destination.
Having a Freight Forwarder and/or Customs Broker can be very helpful.