NWSA auto units up 129.3% YTD
TEUs post highest 2023 monthly volume
June saw the highest container volume of the year at the NWSA, posting 252,232 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the month. Full imports increased 16.1% over May while full exports increased nearly 5%. Ocean service schedule consistency has improved at the gateway, helping drive the month-over-month improvement. Total container volume for June decreased 18.4% over June 2022. Full imports declined 19.9% while full exports for the month decreased 13.8%.
Year-over-year comparisons continue to reflect the pandemic-driven conditions of 2022 and ongoing soft import demand relative to last year. Total TEUs declined 22.8% YTD to 1,394,347 TEUs, with full imports and exports declining 29% and 4.2%, respectively.
Domestic container volume decreased 4.5% YTD 2023 compared to YTD 2022. Alaska volumes decreased 2%, and Hawaii volumes declined 14.7%.
Washington United Terminals (WUT) received two additional super post-Panamax cranes in June. These new ZPMC cranes boast a 24-wide container row reach, a lift above crane rail of 175 feet, and a lift capacity of 65 long-tons using a spreader and 100 long-tons with a cargo beam. The cranes are expected to be operational later this summer following a commissioning period. This investment will further expand on WUT’s capability to handle the larger vessels being deployed in the transpacific trade.
Other cargo stats:
- Breakbulk volume decreased 6.2% for 215,154 metric tons YTD. Because of high container freight rates and lack of availability on container vessels last year, some cargo shifted to Ro-Ro vessels. Now that container rates are cooling and service level has returned, cargo is transitioning back.
- Auto volumes were 160,569 units, up 129.3%. New General Motors business coupled with GLOVIS America’s consolidation of its KIA and Hyundai business in our gateway from September of last year will make for favorable month-over-month comparisons in 2023.
View the June 2023 cargo reports: