[1] Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AAPA protects and advances the common interests of its diverse member organizations as they connect their communities with the global transportation system.
Member ports vary in size, cargo and vessel types handled, operating structure, and geographic service area.
The association has four main goals: One key issue that AAPA focuses on is the reorganization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF).
It also seeks to improve public and private collaboration on freight-related issues by increasing public-sector awareness about trends in private-sector freight operations and investment.
In March 2020, due to a COVID-19-related decrease in traffic and revenue, the AAPA sought $6.5 billion in financial support from the federal government.