The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 North Star Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions from industry partners. This year, the NWSA expanded the awards to include five categories: three Cargo Anchor Awards including Importer of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Ocean Carrier of the Year, the Service Excellence Award, and Environmental Stewardship Award.

The Cargo Anchor Awards recognize companies that have increased cargo volume and positively impacted the regional economy. The Service Excellence Award honors supply chain partners for improving service levels. The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes companies for their contributions to environmental sustainability.

"The North Star Award winners have truly demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. Their contributions to The Northwest Seaport Alliance have been invaluable, driving economic growth and strengthening our region's reputation as a premier gateway for trade,” stated Port of Seattle Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair Hamdi Mohamed. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and thank them for their continued commitment to our shared success."

"The North Star Awards are a testament to the exceptional work being done by our partners,” stated Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair Kristin Ang. “By recognizing their achievements, we not only celebrate their success but also reinforce the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving economic prosperity. Our region's success is inextricably linked to the contributions of our industry partners."

2023 North Star Award Winners:

• Importer of the Year: Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight Tools, a major importer in the United States, strategically chose the Puget Sound region for its new facility in Frederickson, WA. The region offers several advantages, including lower transportation costs from Seattle/Tacoma ports, easy intermodal access to inland markets, competitive warehouse lease rates, a skilled workforce, and economic development opportunities. The 782,773-square-foot facility will create approximately 220 jobs, operating two shifts, five days a week. Harbor Freight is actively recruiting for these positions through local events and partnerships.

• Exporter of the Year: International Feed

International Feed, a feed and food ingredients commodity trader with expertise in logistics, is being recognized for their remarkable growth in exports via the Seattle-Tacoma gateway.  In 2023, International Feed managed to increase its volume nearly 200%.  This significant growth established its position as one of our Top 15 export customers, not to mention a spot among the JOC Top 100.  The company's strategic focus on expanding sales to countries with direct NWSA services, coupled with the NWSA's enhanced reliability and efficiency, contributed to this achievement.

• Ocean Carrier of the Year: Ocean Network Express

Ocean Network Express was recognized for handling the most container volume and experiencing the largest year-over-year volume increase of all ocean carriers calling at the Seattle-Tacoma gateway, demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence and growth. Ocean Network Express operates as part of THE Alliance group of carriers with regular weekly calls at Husky Terminal and Washington United Terminals in our Tacoma (South) Harbor.

• Service Excellence Award: Mercer Logistics

Mercer Logistics, a leading supply chain solutions provider, was recognized for its exceptional performance in handling cargo. As the region's only U.S. Customs Centralized Examination Station (CES) operator, Mercer has played a crucial role in facilitating smooth cargo movement through the Pacific Northwest. Mercer demonstrated its commitment to efficiency and customer service by expanding CES facilities, coordinating with CBP for expedited clearance, and implemented innovative solutions to manage detained containers. This dedication has been instrumental to supporting the region's trade and ensuring the timely and reliable movement of goods.

• Environmental Stewardship Award: PetroCard

PetroCard, a pioneer in sustainable fuel solutions, has been at the forefront of providing access to cleaner fuels for commercial fleets.  Through partnerships and education with suppliers and early adopters, PetroCard has promoted renewable diesel as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Renewable diesel offers significant environmental benefits, including up to a 75% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. PetroCard is partnering with the Port of Tacoma to fuel port vehicles with renewable diesel.

The NWSA established the North Star Awards to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of industry partners who significantly impact the success of The Northwest Seaport Alliance gateway and the regional economy. All winners were recognized at the NWSA’s North Star Awards program on October 23, 2024, highlighting these notable companies that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to collaboration.

For a full list of nominees, please visit: https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/about-us/our-organization/north-star-awards/2023-north-star-awards-nominees

 

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