ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

American Association of Port Authorities

Okay kiddo, have you ever seen a big boat called a ship in a harbor? Those ships are very important because they carry tons of things from one place to another, like clothes, toys, and even cars.

Now, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is a group of people who work together to make sure that those ships can dock safely and the things they carry can be transferred efficiently. It's like a big team that helps the ships do their job.

The people in the AAPA work for different ports in the United States, which are like parking spots for those ships. They make sure that the ports have all the equipment and tools needed to unload and load the cargo on the ships.

They also work with the government to make sure that the ports are secure and follow all the rules for safety and environmental protection. That means that the water where the ships go and the air around them stay clean and healthy.

The AAPA also helps the ports to improve and get better at their job. They share information and ideas so that all ports can be successful and help the economy of the country. So, thanks to the AAPA, the ships can keep on bringing us all the fun things we like to have.