Illinois International Port District

The Illinois International Port District (IIPD) is the official governing body of the major port facilities in Chicago, Illinois. Strategically located at the crossroads of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system, the IIPD serves as a crucial multimodal freight hub for North America. By integrating waterborne, rail, and highway transport options, it enables efficient transfer and movement of a vast array of goods, from bulk commodities like grain, steel, and cement to general cargo and containers. The IIPD’s core operations take place at two key terminals: Iroquois Landing at Lake Michigan’s entry and the expansive Senator Dan Dougherty Harbor (Lake Calumet Terminal), which together span nearly 2,000 acres. The port provides essential services for both domestic and international shippers, facilitating access to the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence Seaway and southward to the Gulf of Mexico and global markets. Its significance lies not only in direct cargo handling but also in supporting the broader industrial and economic development of the Chicago region by serving major shipping lines, industrial tenants, and supporting warehousing and logistics operations. As a result, the IIPD remains a vital link in the nation’s inland and international trade corridors.