We compiled our results from close to 150 of the most usable industry responses. Port and terminals were not allowed to vote, and no responses were culled from that demographic.
More than 60% of industry respondents were either shippers (importer, exporter, manufacturer) or supply chain service providers (carriers, third party).
Here is a sampling of actual responses from customers when asked why they voted for a particular port or terminal being their most productive:

• Crane productivity
• Location is superb….very good highway access
• Has the most important steamship line operating out of it
• Fastest turn around of ships and cargo
• Low-cost, high productivity — excellent service
• Efficient Customs office and no congestion
• Used by many of our customers
• Superior labor force and tremendous relationships between management, labor, and vendors
• ….faster inland rail move
• Attention to details of container flow
• [Our port’s] common-user terminals are trouble-free and quick!
• Most access to cargo based on routes
• Ease of business contracts
• Best gate systems
• Truck turn time
• Port is in constant dialogue with the key players…
• Ease of business contracts
• Supplies 95 percent of the goods and materials to railbelt area communities…
• This is our primary port and lines calling this port offer us the best transit time
• Access
• …no damage, great safety record
• The phones are always answered and the people answering know the answers to your questions
• Quick turn times from truck receipt to loading efficiency
• Primary clients importing from Asia
• Different service loops offered
• That is where our customers’ freight hits the U.S.
• Best system for us; easiest to work through
• Business friendly
• [Good] Ro-Ro [service]
• Highest productivity lifts per hour
• Most of the vessels I use, use this terminal
• Lots of gates, late hours, good chassis and tires so our truckers don’t have to go back for faulty equipment repair
• Smaller port, good relationships and valued labor force
• More product-specific delivery for our goods/imports
• Speed
• Personnel
• [Good] Carrier planning with terminal operations...
• Minimal damage, responsive to my individual needs…
• They always know where the containers are located
• Excellent service, and dedicated to breakbulk
• The people
• Good supervision and customer relations 