About CAPA

The California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA)
comprises 11 major deepwater port authorities across our state. 

CAPA is committed to advocating and advancing the public policy objectives of the Ports at all levels of government.  Since our founding in 1940, CAPA has remained dedicated to this mission by educating state and federal policy makers on port operations while also advancing the best interests of the maritime community.

In addition, CAPA maintains formal agreements on behalf of its member ports with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and provides regular communications with the FMC and other national interests.

The port authorities that comprise CAPA are responsible for handling 40% of all containerized imports and 30% of all exports in the U.S. 
California ports are a major driver of quality, good-paying jobs. More than 1 million California jobs and 3 million jobs nationally are linked to trade through CAPA member ports.

California’s ports are widely recognized for their environmental stewardship and sustainable operations.  Over the years, CAPA member ports have invested significantly in new and promising technologies that have created some of the world’s most environmentally friendly and innovative port facilities and operations.  In addition to the commercialization of shore-side power for oceangoing vessels that was developed nearly two decades ago, our ports are market leaders in the development of low-emission and zero-emission trucks and terminal equipment.

In the United States, California ports are leading in the development of digital infrastructure for supply chain efficiency.  This effort includes the development of Port Community system technology that provides line-of-sight, origin-to-destination cargo tracking, giving cargo owners and logistics providers more ability to manage the flow of their goods.

In areas of critical economic policy, our 11 ports are vocal leaders in discussions regarding U.S. competitiveness and fair trade. California ports are doing their part to advocate against policies that hurt American manufacturing, agriculture and other industries engaged in foreign trade.