NWSA Q1 2024 TEU volumes increase 2.9%

Continued voyage consistency and increased vessel calls in March contributed to a strong first-quarter finish of the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) container business.

Full international exports continue a seven-month growth streak, increasing 15.6% over March 2023. Full international imports increased by 17.1%, with total international volumes increasing by 9.5%.

March container volumes reached 261,495 TEU, growing 8.5% over March 2023.

Year-to-date volume comparisons increased 2.9% YTD to 699,382 TEU, with full imports increasing 5.6% and full exports growing 14.8%.

Domestic container volume increased 1.8% YTD 2024 compared to YTD 2023. Alaska volumes increased 4.9%, and Hawaii volumes decreased 11.3%.

Total breakbulk volume increased 20.8% for 120,282 metric tons YTD, and auto volumes were 89,703 units, up 9.5%. Consumer demand for automobiles continues to contribute to strong volumes.

Incentive program

The NWSA, a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, is launching a cargo and service incentive program aimed at bolstering international container rail cargo volumes and improving service delivery in the gateway.

With a commitment of $11 million in incentives, the program aims to increase intermodal cargo volume, promote vessel schedule reliability, and expand marine terminal operations.

Beginning May 1, the incentives will include the Voyage Consistency & On-Time Arrival Award Program, the International Container Rail Cargo Incentive, and a Gate Operations Incentive.