Port of Houston Authority Recognized as Best in th

HOUSTON, July 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA) has recognized the Port of Houston Authority as the nation's best after evaluating Houston and 25 other U.S. ports in the areas of overall quality, customer service, customer satisfaction and quality of facilities.

It marked the second time in the last five years that the Port of Houston Authority has received the prestigious 2013 RICA Outstanding Port Award for Customer Satisfaction.

Nineteen of the 26 ports examined in the RICA 2013 annual survey are located on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, where the majority of the country's heavy cargo is handled.

"We are honored and proud to receive RICA's 2013 Outstanding Port Award for Customer Satisfaction," said Leonard Waterworth, Executive Director, Port of Houston Authority. "It is a testament to the efficiencies at the Port Authority's facilities and the professionalism and high caliber of service demonstrated by all the stakeholders that comprise the Houston Ship Channel.

"I would also like to recognize the Port Terminal Railroad Association," Waterworth added, "for its role in helping facilitate effective rail commerce. This has enabled the Port of Houston Authority to provide a high level of customer service at its general cargo facilities."

RICA is comprised of more than 400 members, supporting the heavy and dimensional transportation industry. Its members' support is a crucial component of the intermodal platform on which the Port of Houston Authority has established itself as the nation's leader in handling project cargo.

Houston ranked ahead of Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Albany, NY; and Corpus Christi, Texas, respectively, as the top five ports overall. The Port of Houston Authority also finished first in the areas of customer service and customer satisfaction.

About the Port of Houston Authority

For nearly 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation's largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than one million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $178.5 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com

Bill Hensel, Manager, Corporate Communications Office: (713) 670-2893 Cell: 832-452-5776 E-mail: