Strong import container volumes drove the Port of Tacoma’s October volumes up 17.5 percent over the same month in 2013. It marked the eighth consecutive month of growth.

Full containerized imports grew 15 percent year to date through October to 662,972 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units). Exports also posted gains, up 8 percent to 463,818 TEUs, and domestic volumes improved 3 percent to 390,139 TEUs.

Tacoma handled 181,112 TEUs in October, boosting year-to-date volumes to 1.7 million TEUs. For the year, Tacoma’s container volumes are up 11 percent.

October traditionally signals the end of the peak shipping season, when retailers build up inventory in preparation for the holiday shopping season. Tacoma’s numbers also continue to reflect additional volume from larger vessels and shipping line alliances.

In other cargo news, grain exports continued to boom, up 80 percent year to date to 3.2 million short tons. Grain exports have returned to normal following last year’s historic lows on the back of a bumper crop that is boosting volumes further. Auto imports, intermodal lifts and breakbulk cargo also posted gains, while log exports continued to decline as demand in China lagged.

The current productivity issues facing West Coast ports are not reflected in October’s numbers. We continue to urge the Pacific Maritime Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union to resolve contract issues.

Find the October cargo reports in the sidebar under "Downloads."

Download Cargo statistics - October 2014 (14.49 KB), Download Container volumes - October 2014 (24.03 KB)