Feature, Freight News, Sea


Trailer Bridge signs Ports America stevedoring deal

[ September 1, 2026   //   ]

Florida-based transportation company Trailer Bridge has signed a ten-year partnership with Ports America to support its Jones Act (US cabotage) barge service between Jacksonville and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with two five-year extension options.

Ports America will provide stevedoring services at Trailer Bridge’s Jacksonville port operation and implement its Dockworks terminal operating platform, with a roll out to customers expected in 2027.

The new agreement is part of Trailer Bridge’s larger strategy to strengthen service to and from Puerto Rico. In 2026, the company invested some $9 million in scheduled dry dock work on its ro ro vessels and realigned its executive leadership to bring greater focus to its asset-based operations and customer-facing functions.

Jacksonville is the main US mainland gateway for trade with Puerto Rico, with more than 85% of goods shipped by ocean transport between the island and the mainland moving through the port.

Trailer Bridge was founded in 1991 by Malcom McLean, widely recognized as the Father of Containerization, specifically to serve the Puerto Rico trade.

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