Today I’m joined by The Port of New York and New Jersey.
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the gateway to one of the most concentrated consumer markets in North America, and the largest port on the East Coast. One hundred years after its creation, the Port continues to thrive with innovation, sustainable best practices, and a strong competitive edge.
Today, Stephanie Dominguez, Assistant Director of Commercial Development for the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be talking all about the Port of New York and New Jersey. We’ll be exploring the big challenges and the infrastructure projects in development to tackle them. We’ll be talking about the importance of collaboration and industry-wide sustainability progress. And, given the current geopolitical landscape, we’ll be reflecting on exactly what the rest of 2025 is going to look like for the Port of New York and New Jersey.
Guest bio:
Stephanie Dominguez serves as the Assistant Director of Commercial Development, for the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Leasing & Property Development and Business Development & Industry Relations teams. She leads teams responsible for overseeing trade development strategies, maritime relations, customer outreach, and port efficiency initiatives for the largest port on the U.S. East Coast.
Before joining the Port Authority, Stephanie was a defense civilian contractor for several years managing contracts for the United States Air Force, Army, and FAA. Her experience included roles in business development, contract negotiation, and project/risk management. Moving from the military to the commercial aviation sector, Stephanie worked for United Airlines under the Capital & Procurement role at EWR where she led the financial analysis efforts for capital projects, building compelling business cases.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[04.30] An overview of the Port of New York and New Jersey, who they are and what they do.
“We have a long history… Containerization started at our port.”
[05.40] Why organizations should choose the Port of New York and New Jersey, the many factors that give them their competitive edge and how, in turn, that can give companies doing business with them their own competitive edge.
“We’re a world-class gateway port… We’re focused on efficiency and reliability… Today we have 45 weekly ocean carrier services, and we’re the first port of call on 75% of them.”
[11.36] Some of the biggest challenges of the last few years, and why resiliency, communication and collaboration Is key.
[15.43] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s ‘Master Plan’, and how a predicted increase in volume will impact the port and local community, from challenges to investments.
[17.30] From road improvements to improving navigation channels, the major infrastructure projects the Port of New York and New Jersey is focused on right now, and how they work with other key stakeholders.
“You have to have honest conversations. There will be times when you don’t agree, but you’ll find a solution together.”
[22.58] The potential impact of those infrastructure challenges and opportunities, and the Port of New York and New Jersey’s approach to embracing the future.
“This industry is all about flexibility, adaptability – you never know what’s going to happen… We have to be open-minded, and evolve with the industry. So when there’s new emerging technologies or tools, it’s common for people to be scared. But we need to educate ourselves, and work with other best practices.”
[25.17] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s new marine terminal operator leases with Port Liberty New York and Bayonne and the APM Terminals, and why they’re all focused on planning for the future.
[29.22] Why collaboration is so important as the industry prepares for the future, and Stephanie’s advice for other organizations looking to improve their collaborative efforts.
“Your partners are experts in what they do… So when they’re at the table giving you honest feedback, listen… Bring them in at the beginning, proactively not reactively… It takes time, effort, it takes thick skin! But there’s a level of respect and trust that builds out of those conversations.”
[34.33] Key sustainability initiatives for the Port of New York and New Jersey.
[38.04] What the rest of 2025 will bring for the Port of New York and New Jersey.
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
Head over to the Port of New York and New Jersey’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with the Port of New York and New Jersey and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about keeping freight moving, check out 388: See The Future of Transportation, with Win Global, 338: Set a New Standard for Global Trade, with Flexport or 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
