The Northwest Seaport Alliance has lengthened the extended gates program through Friday, Dec. 2, to support this peak shipping season’s strong agricultural exports.  

“Based on the positive feedback we received from our customers, we are pleased to offer three additional weeks of the extended gate program, which was set to conclude on Nov. 11,” said Dustin Stoker, NWSA chief operations officer.

The program includes various extended hour options, including flexed gates from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch gate hours Monday through Friday, an off-shift gate after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or Saturday or Sunday shift.

Nearly 10 weeks into the program, the international container terminal operators have added about 50 to 70 hours per week.

NWSA will continue to reimburse the terminal operators up to $2 million, which was originally authorized for the pilot program.

The alliance launched the 12-week program in August to help marine terminal operators avoid congestion on surface streets in the port industrial areas and keep import and export cargo flowing efficiently during peak season, which typically starts in late August and continues through early November.

Find more tips to avoid delays, increase turn times and reduce costs during peak shipping season.

Truckers should confirm each terminal's schedule on its website:

• Terminal 18 
• Terminal 30 
• Terminal 46 
• Husky Terminal 
• Olympic Container Terminal
• Pierce County Terminal
• Washington United Terminals