It was ranked by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as the 9th largest port by tonnage in the nation during 2014, with a trade volume of 64.3 million tons.

The container, general cargo and bulk facilities have immediate access to two interstate systems and five Class I railroads.

Additionally, the CG Railway operates from the port as a rail ferry service to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, in Mexico.

As a senator, Shelby steered millions of dollars in federal money to the port for dredging and widening.

Carnival left Mobile in 2011 due to rising fuel costs, and the inability to raise prices.