Port of Seattle's Cargo Volumes Continue Improvement

Efficient, Customer-Driven Approach Helps Build Business

Container cargo volumes at the Port of Seattle in June surged ahead of 1999's numbers, signaling the continued recovery of Asian economies and reaffirming the Port's strength as an innovative leader in efficient cargo handling. Port facilities in June handled 118,462 total TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, the standard container measurement. That is a 7 percent increase from June 1999.

"We are expecting this trend to continue -- if not increase over last year's figures -- for the remainder of the year," said Steve Sewell, Marine Division Managing Director for the Port.

For the first half of 2000, the Port handled 724,085 TEUs. If current trends continue, it is expected that 2000 year-end volumes will exceed 1999's totals.

Sewell said much of the cargo growth has been the addition of several new container services.

"With our world-class terminals, labor productivity and Intermodal connections, we expect growth to continue in years ahead," he said, adding that the Port's customer-driven focus helps maintain its continued viability as one of the world's premiere cargo facilities.

"For example, last year the Port commissioned a benchmark survey to study traffic conditions at six terminals to give us, as well as terminal operators, trucking companies, and railroad operators an accurate baseline of information," Sewell said. The Port also brought together trucking companies, terminal operators, steamship lines and railroad operators for a series of meetings last fall to identify the specific causes for cargo movement delays and to find solutions.

"All of this has resulted in less gate congestion and faster turn times within the terminals," Sewell said.

The Port has made substantial investments in its cargo handling facilities, including the Terminal 5 development and the current redevelopment and expansion of Terminal 18. And a dredging program is nearing completion that will ensure all of the Port's container cargo facilities are capable of handling the largest ships in any shipper's fleet.

The Port of Seattle is the fifth-largest port in the United States as ranked by total dollar value of two-way trade. In 1999, the Port handled more than 14,200,000 metric tons of international cargo worth $32.2 billion. Historical container volume and other trade information is available on the Port's website, www.portseattle.org.