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Houston
United States
USHOU
No Data
K+N Status
AIS limited in region
K+N24 Mar 2026
Updated 10m ago

Port Intelligence — What freight teams need to know

Houston's rail dwell times of 9-10 days are among the worst in the US as of Nov 2025. The port serves as the primary Gulf Coast gateway with growing container volumes as shippers diversify from LA/LB. Maersk's Jan 2026 D&D tariff update applies here too with increased per diem charges.

No K+N update for this port yet

Weekly reports are loaded every Monday. Check back soon.

Customs Reality at Houston
4d
Published free time
3d
Effective free time

Same US regulatory framework. Growing import volumes straining infrastructure.

Demurrage: $150/TEU/day · Detention: $80/TEU/day

Common Rejection Reasons

  • Same US-wide: FDA PN, USDA, ISF
Cold Chain Reality at Houston
Mitigation:For reefer, use truck-direct over rail. Rail dwell times too long for perishables.
Failure point:Rail dwell — containers sitting on rail without power
Significance:Moderate-High — serves Texas food distribution market
Primary failure mode:Rail dwell times 9-10 days for inland-bound containers. Reefer on rail without power for extended periods.
Reefer plug availability:Adequate at terminal. No power on rail.
Alternative Ports to Houston

If disruption makes Houston unviable for your cargo

New OrleansUSMSY
+$100/TEU
300 nm away12h less wait
Works for: Gulf cargo. Less rail congestion.
Not for: Texas consignees.

Cargo Intelligence Platform

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CargoPilot applies deep AI analysis to every shipment moving through Houston — surfacing risks, customs traps, and delay patterns your freight team would otherwise miss.

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  • Customs, demurrage & detention intelligence

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Live AIS Vessels

AIS coverage limited at this port. The free AIS tier has restricted coverage in some regions, particularly mainland China ports and parts of the Middle East.

Money Traps at Houston
Rail dwell 9-10 days
Containers sitting on rail for 10 days. Detention clock running. No reefer power on rail.
Truck-direct for reefer. Avoid rail for perishables out of Houston.
Seasonal Patterns
Jun-Nov (Hurricane)
Gulf of Mexico hurricanes. Houston Ship Channel closures during major storms.
Monitor NHC. Hurricane closures can last 3-5 days.
Aug-Oct (Peak import)
Volume surge compounds rail dwell issues.
Pre-arrange trucking for perishables.

Sources

Port status: Kuehne+Nagel Port Operational Update

Port intelligence: CargoPilot curated research

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