Port of Tacoma Container Volumes Continue Growing

Port of Tacoma container volumes increased 17 percent in May, marking the third straight month of year-over-year growth, the Port authorities said in a release.

“Volumes continue to grow as shippers move cargo and equipment ahead of the traditional summer peak shipping season, in part to avoid possible supply chain disruptions as contract negotiations continue between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. The current contract with U.S. West Coast dockworkers expires June 30,” the release read.

Tacoma saw both containerized imports and exports grow year to date through May. Full imports improved 7 percent to 300,411 TEUs, and full exports rose 7 percent to 227,489 TEUs. Empty containers were also up nearly 7 percent to 93,591 TEUs. The majority of the empty containers were traveling westbound, back to Asia.

Year to date in May, the Port’s container volumes have grown 5 percent to 798,278 TEUs.

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Press Release, June 23, 2014