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    Vessels navigate a channel alongside towering cranes at the Port of San Diego highlighting the harbors industrial activity

    Port of San Diego

    California
    West Coast

    Overview

    The Port of San Diego serves as one of Southern California’s primary deepwater seaports, uniquely positioned on the U.S. West Coast close to the U.S.-Mexico border. Established in 1962, it is vital for regional trade, supporting commercial cargo, cruise operations, shipbuilding, and fishing industries. The port’s two marine cargo terminals — Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and National City Marine Terminal — handle a diverse range of cargos such as vehicles, refrigerated produce, project cargo, and containers. The port’s excellent multimodal integration connects it to regional rail and major interstate highways, enhancing its logistics efficiency. As a crucial economic engine, it supports thousands of jobs in San Diego County and fosters international trade across the Pacific and with Latin America. The Port of San Diego is also notable for its environmental initiatives, working to balance industrial activity with the region’s sensitive coastal environment and community interests.

    Facilities

    • Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal
    • National City Marine Terminal
    • Cruise Ship Terminal
    • Marine Group Boat Works
    • Maritime Boat Yards
    • Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier

    Operating Hours

    Cargo terminals typically operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Pasha Hawaii
    2
    Dole Ocean Cargo Express
    3
    Liberty Global Logistics
    4
    SSA Marine
    5
    Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line)
    6
    Wallenius Wilhelmsen
    7
    Jeanne Anne Shipping

    Tools & Resources

    Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.

    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Port of San Diego.

    Location & Maps

    Find Port of San Diego on popular mapping services.

    Interactive Map

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    Facility

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Port of San Diego.

    What is the process and how long does customs clearance take for import cargo through US seaports?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, container discharge, customs review, release, dray pickup, and final delivery. Standard clearance may be same day to several days depending on documentation and exams.

    What is the process and how long does export cargo take through US seaports?

    Typical export flow is inland dray to terminal, terminal gate-in, documentation and filing, vessel loading, and departure. Timing depends on cutoff windows, bookings, inspections, and vessel schedule.

    For More Info

    Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.

    Container being moved

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