At Port Tampa Bay (PTB), logistics meets opportunity. Companies looking to optimize their supply chains and expand their commercial footprint turn to the PTB’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operation for a measurable competitive advantage.
Located on Florida’s west coast, Port Tampa Bay is the state’s largest port by acreage (5,000 acres) and tonnage (35 million tons annually), handling containers, breakbulk, bulk, and roll on-roll off (RoRo) cargo. Port Tampa Bay offers direct transportation services from major international shipping lanes, including weekly sailings from Asia, Central America, and South America, ensuring faster and reliable connections to global suppliers and customers. Port Tampa Bay’s central location in the state, which includes the I-4 Corridor that connects Tampa and Orlando, offers streamlined access to the largest concentration of distribution centers that encompasses over 550 million square feet of distribution space.
As a market, Florida is now the third-largest state in the United States with more than 23 million residents. The state also welcomes nearly 143 million annual tourists. This ranks Florida among the fastest-growing economies, offering companies expanding their logistics and commercial footprint a gateway to high-demand markets with sustained growth potential.
To meet market demands, the port makes meaningful investments to improve its infrastructure, which has included the purchase of four post-Panamax cranes, expansion to 97-acres of paved container yard, upgrade of the container yard’s gates, construction of a 135,000-square-foot cold storage facility, and reinforcement of a growing intermodal network. Planned terminal expansion projects include additional berth space and the installation of new post-Panamax cranes, reflecting Port Tampa Bay’s commitment to growing with its partners and staying ahead of evolving supply chain demands.
In addition to its physical infrastructure, Port Tampa Bay offers strategic operational advantages through its FTZ program. As part of the national FTZ system, PTB’s FTZ operation is designed to incentivize companies to optimize their supply chains, enhance the competitiveness of their U.S. based operations, and encourage companies to retain, if not increase, the level of operational participation in the US.
PTB’s FTZ program is structured to align with and enhance the supply chain strategies of its partners, enabling businesses to take full advantage of the port’s facilities while optimizing their global logistics and operational goals. As an example, PTB’s global connectivity supports a range of business models. For companies with import-for-export strategies, the port’s FTZ operation enables value-added activities like inspection, assembly, or customization before re-export. For those importing raw materials or finished goods for domestic use, it streamlines market access and reduces landed costs. For manufacturers exporting from the U.S., Port Tampa Bay offers fast, cost-effective routes to key markets in Central and South America.
With world-class facilities, efficient customs clearance, and FTZ advantages, Port Tampa Bay is a growing strategic exit and entry point both for domestic and international goods, which presents opportunities to reduce logistical costs, shorten transit times, and expand market access across Florida and beyond.
Beyond cargo movement, Port Tampa Bay continues to contribute to local job creation by supporting advanced manufacturing, distribution, and logistics industries in Florida, helping companies strengthen their domestic footprint while remaining globally competitive.
Companies ready to reroute their thinking and reimagine their supply chains can receive significant financial and operational rewards by utilizing Port Tampa Bay’s FTZ operation.
Discover how Port Tampa Bay’s FTZ can strengthen your competitive edge. Visit https://www.porttb.com/foreign-trade-zone-79 to learn more and connect with our business development team today.
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