Located in the port city of Detroit is the popular and highly functional Port of Detroit, which is regulated and mainly administered by the Detroit/ Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA). The strategic location of Detroit, which is the seat of power and local government of the Wayne County in Michigan, has made Port of Detroit effective in facilitating major port and shipment activities.

DWCPA was formed in 1978 as a special-purpose governing authority to bond and fund improvements and basic operations at all ports within Wayne County. Not only is the body a Port of Detroit's quasi-public development authority; it is also a regulator authorized to enter into agreements with private business and to renovate and build facilities across the waterfront in port areas.

With the facilitation and effective administration of DWCPA, the Port of Detroit is now one of the state of Michigan's most significant economic engines. It is estimated that annually, the port is able to facilitate shipment of steel of up to 750 thousand tons, helping create an economic impact of more than $189 million in personal income, jobs and taxes.

DWCPA aims to further make the aging facility of the Port of Detroit benefit from modernization and upgrade efforts. New equipment would be purchased and installed and new warehouses would be constructed to help make sure the Port of Detroit would stay competitive.