Information Center
Operations Department
The Operations Department at Port Tampa Bay directs and manages various functions and activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Functions and activities
- Operates the Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service (CVTS) along with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg to contact, inform and advise commercial vessels moving through Tampa Bay to ensure safe vessel movements and navigational safety
- Supervises the operations of the port concession operator (Ports America) for contract compliance and performance in all aspects of service within the Port terminals, including berth assignments, cargo operations and terminal and warehouse operations
- Establishes policies, procedures and guidelines for the assignment and effective utilization of Port Tampa Bay owned public berths
- Interprets, explains and enforces regulations and rules on utilization of port facilities and cargo operations
- Coordinates with terminal operators, stevedores, shippers, ship agents and local, state and federal authorities on an as-needed basis to respond to customer needs, resolve disputes and interpret policies and regulations
- Evaluates, interprets and applies Port tariff and tenant lease agreement charges to vessels throughput and processes revenue information for initial billing through the Port Finance Department
- Manages the port’s vessel management program, including data entry and quality control of information needed for vessel billing in accordance with the Port Tariff
- Participates as a member in the Executive Committee of the Tampa Bay Harbor Safety and Security Committee to discuss and resolve issues of mutual interest to the stakeholders in the port community, especially in the areas of navigational safety and port security
- Manages the operation of Port Tampa Bay-owned cruise terminal facilities in compliance with federal, state, local and Port rules and regulations
- Maintains a wharfing department to report on port cargo transitions and recording as well as damages and repairs to Port Tampa Bay property and interests
- Manages personnel operations related to the Port Tampa Bay truck scale
Contact Information
The Operations Department is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the on-duty Operations Officer in the CVTS who can be contacted:
Phone: (813) 241-1886
Email: Email Us
Operations Department fax number: (813) 241-1810
Truck Scale: (813) 241-1710
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If you have questions about any of the subject matter areas listed below, please call the following personnel or offices at the phone number indicated:
- For vessel berth requests, assignments or locations of vessels within the Port Tampa Bay, please call the Operations Officer on duty in the CVTS at (813) 241-1886
- For information regarding specific cargo in a certain container or on a certain vessel coming to Tampa, please call the U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officer on Duty at (813) 712-6000, and select option 12.
- For information regarding port maintenance dredging, please call Patrick Blair of Port Tampa Bay Engineering at (813) 905-5003 or James Forsyth, the Director of Operations, at (813) 241-1806
- For cruise information, please visit our Cruise section for schedules, cruise line phone numbers, websites and parking information. For PTB Cruise Operations: (813) 241-1803.
Tampa Cooperative Safety and Security Initiative (TCSSI)
Frequently Asked Questions by Department
Ports & Logistics
The local Port and the companies residing at the wharfs and berths coordinate the import and export of cargo with ship agents and freight forwarders for rail and truck transportation to/from their destination. Imported goods are transported and sold locally and nationally which include, but are not limited to, produce, construction materials, and oil.
Mariner & Sea-Going
Products and materials negotiated on the shoreside, to be shipped throughout the inland and international waterways, are dependent on the licensed crew aboard each vessel. The deck and engine crews work together to navigate and operate the multiple types of vessels (cargo, liquid, ro-ro, etc.).
Cruise Ships & Recreational
The cruise industry encompasses larger ocean-liner vessels to small yacht’s coming in and out of the channel. Touching the tourism part of the maritime industry, cruise vessels play an integral part in accommodating everyday passengers seeking leisure time.
Shipbuilding & Repair
The shipbuilding and ship repair industries are some of our nation’s largest and most dynamic employers. These industries build and repair all types of sea-going vessels from aircraft carriers to submarines, from cargo ships to tugs and barges. This industry takes on large-scale projects that need a workforce that is flexible, dynamic and motivated.
Marine Construction
Marine construction is one of the most essential yet often overlooked pillars of the maritime industry. From building docks, piers, seawalls, and marinas, to constructing massive port facilities, bridges, and underwater infrastructure, marine construction supports the entire framework of coastal and offshore operations. This dynamic field blends engineering, skilled trades, environmental stewardship, and teamwork in a marine environment.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
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'.
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.
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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
Ports & Logistics
The local Port and the companies residing at the wharfs and berths coordinate the import and export of cargo with ship agents and freight forwarders for rail and truck transportation to/from their destination. Imported goods are transported and sold locally and nationally which include, but are not limited to, produce, construction materials, and oil.
Mariner & Sea-Going
Products and materials negotiated on the shoreside, to be shipped throughout the inland and international waterways, are dependent on the licensed crew aboard each vessel. The deck and engine crews work together to navigate and operate the multiple types of vessels (cargo, liquid, ro-ro, etc.).
Cruise Ships & Recreational
The cruise industry encompasses larger ocean-liner vessels to small yacht’s coming in and out of the channel. Touching the tourism part of the maritime industry, cruise vessels play an integral part in accommodating everyday passengers seeking leisure time.
Shipbuilding & Repair
The shipbuilding and ship repair industries are some of our nation’s largest and most dynamic employers. These industries build and repair all types of sea-going vessels from aircraft carriers to submarines, from cargo ships to tugs and barges. This industry takes on large-scale projects that need a workforce that is flexible, dynamic and motivated.
Marine Construction
Marine construction is one of the most essential yet often overlooked pillars of the maritime industry. From building docks, piers, seawalls, and marinas, to constructing massive port facilities, bridges, and underwater infrastructure, marine construction supports the entire framework of coastal and offshore operations. This dynamic field blends engineering, skilled trades, environmental stewardship, and teamwork in a marine environment.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
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'.
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.
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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
Ports & Logistics
The local Port and the companies residing at the wharfs and berths coordinate the import and export of cargo with ship agents and freight forwarders for rail and truck transportation to/from their destination. Imported goods are transported and sold locally and nationally which include, but are not limited to, produce, construction materials, and oil.
Mariner & Sea-Going
Products and materials negotiated on the shoreside, to be shipped throughout the inland and international waterways, are dependent on the licensed crew aboard each vessel. The deck and engine crews work together to navigate and operate the multiple types of vessels (cargo, liquid, ro-ro, etc.).
Cruise Ships & Recreational
The cruise industry encompasses larger ocean-liner vessels to small yacht’s coming in and out of the channel. Touching the tourism part of the maritime industry, cruise vessels play an integral part in accommodating everyday passengers seeking leisure time.
Shipbuilding & Repair
The shipbuilding and ship repair industries are some of our nation’s largest and most dynamic employers. These industries build and repair all types of sea-going vessels from aircraft carriers to submarines, from cargo ships to tugs and barges. This industry takes on large-scale projects that need a workforce that is flexible, dynamic and motivated.
Marine Construction
Marine construction is one of the most essential yet often overlooked pillars of the maritime industry. From building docks, piers, seawalls, and marinas, to constructing massive port facilities, bridges, and underwater infrastructure, marine construction supports the entire framework of coastal and offshore operations. This dynamic field blends engineering, skilled trades, environmental stewardship, and teamwork in a marine environment.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
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'.
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.
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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
Ports & Logistics
The local Port and the companies residing at the wharfs and berths coordinate the import and export of cargo with ship agents and freight forwarders for rail and truck transportation to/from their destination. Imported goods are transported and sold locally and nationally which include, but are not limited to, produce, construction materials, and oil.
Mariner & Sea-Going
Products and materials negotiated on the shoreside, to be shipped throughout the inland and international waterways, are dependent on the licensed crew aboard each vessel. The deck and engine crews work together to navigate and operate the multiple types of vessels (cargo, liquid, ro-ro, etc.).
Cruise Ships & Recreational
The cruise industry encompasses larger ocean-liner vessels to small yacht’s coming in and out of the channel. Touching the tourism part of the maritime industry, cruise vessels play an integral part in accommodating everyday passengers seeking leisure time.
Shipbuilding & Repair
The shipbuilding and ship repair industries are some of our nation’s largest and most dynamic employers. These industries build and repair all types of sea-going vessels from aircraft carriers to submarines, from cargo ships to tugs and barges. This industry takes on large-scale projects that need a workforce that is flexible, dynamic and motivated.
Marine Construction
Marine construction is one of the most essential yet often overlooked pillars of the maritime industry. From building docks, piers, seawalls, and marinas, to constructing massive port facilities, bridges, and underwater infrastructure, marine construction supports the entire framework of coastal and offshore operations. This dynamic field blends engineering, skilled trades, environmental stewardship, and teamwork in a marine environment.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.
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'.
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.
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.
How do I track my shipment?
- Contact your Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder and/or Ocean Carrier to help track your shipment.