The Port of Philadelphia is located in the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States; Greater Philadelphia has a population of more than 6 million residents, with 100 million people within a one-day drive..

The port consists of a series of marine terminals, each with specialized capabilities. The 112 acre Packard Marine Terminal handles containers, steel products, frozen meat, fruit, heavy lift projects, and paper. The 116 acre Tioga Marine Terminal is home to Philadelphia’s Chilean fruit business and can also containers, breakbulk cargo, and steel. Pier 84 is a dedicated cocoa products facility. Five piers, including piers 38, 40, 78, and 80 comprise the port's forest products center, handling newsprint, wood pulp, lumber, coated paper, and other forest products..

The port is currently served by two cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line.

The fact that Pennsylvania is defined as not having a seacoast under United States Department of Commerce concepts could be considered to make Philadelphia one of the largest fresh water ports in the world, although the Delaware River is tidal as far as Trenton. The Port of Philadelphia is a major international business center and is the fourth largest port in the United States for handling of imported goods.