Join us as we sit down with Amanda Coates, VP of Cargo Development at the Port of New Orleans, for an inside look at maritime logistics, career growth, and the future of global trade through Louisiana. Amanda shares her unexpected 22-year journey from vessel documentation at MSC to leading cargo development, offering candid insights on leadership, networking, and navigating a people-driven, global industry.
The conversation dives into the Port of New Orleans’ unique strengths, including its 70/30 export-import split, unmatched multimodal connectivity, and ambitious Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) expansion—a “legacy project” that will boost capacity, create generational jobs, and transform regional trade. Amanda highlights underused port capacity, VIP service for shippers, and partnerships with state and local agencies to attract distribution centers and support manufacturers, making New Orleans a strategic gateway for growing businesses.
Closing on a personal note, Amanda shares her career mantra, “Find a way or make one,” and encourages listeners to embrace challenges, follow their passion, and grow their network. She also extends an invitation to experience New Orleans firsthand—gumbo, char-grilled oysters, and all—while discovering how ports like New Orleans can open doors to new opportunities for shippers of all sizes.