Investments in the Port's container terminal facilities, including the recent acquisition of three gantry cranes, have positioned Tampa for growth in this important sector. Zim Integrated Shipping has announced it will launch a new direct container service from Asia in the summer of 2006, with Tampa as the first inbound US port call. Other companies offering container shipping services from the Port include Tropical Shipping's Thompson Line and Seatrade. The Port of Tampa has land available to expand its container terminal facilities as business continues to grow, and enjoys excellent intermodal rail and Interstate highway connections, including a recently established truck chassis pool. The Port's local Central Florida market is one of the fastest growing areas of the country and is fast becoming an important distribution center gateway. A driving force behind the Port's expanding container initiative is the Executive Shipper's Council. The Council includes important exporters and importers such as Rooms to Go, Amalie Oil, Vigo, International Food Group, Pepsico and VF Wear, who are responsible for large volumes of locally originating and destined container traffic.

Central Florida's expanding population is increasing the need for building and construction materials, as well as its energy requirements, generating demand for such cargoes as cement, aggregates, forest products, steel, and petroleum. The Port and its tenants are responding by investing in new bulk and general cargo terminal facilities, warehouses, and other storage and handling capacity.