We really should be clearer about terminology. All ports are "run" by a local Port Authority. (Security is separate - it's the responsibility of the Coast Guard).
Some ports are small enough so that the Port Authority can manage all operations. The larger ports subcontract some operations - both for efficiency and cost.
Each Port Authority decided individually when to subcontract container management. There isn't just one Fed'l agency to manage all of the ports, but I think it's DoT that oversees the regs. for port operations. They don't dictate what the Port Authorities can do, they just monitor.
Thanks for your response. I'm just now getting back to this thread--appreciate your comments.
I was just curious when the move to let foreign operations run ports happened. Would be interesting to know what happened to the US companies which ran ports before the switch to foreigners.
It surprises me too that with every kind of business and industry under the sun active in the US, that there is virtually no American business still active in running ports on a major scale. To me that sounds like a very typical American-type business to have, like apple pie.