Auto Units Up 9.5%

Continued voyage consistency and increased vessel calls in March contributed to a strong first quarter finish of NWSA’s container business. Full international exports continue a seven-month growth streak, increasing 15.6% over March 2023. Full international imports increased 17.1%, with total international volumes increasing 9.5%. March container volumes reached 261,495 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), growing 8.5% over March 2023.

Year-to-date volume comparisons increased 2.9% YTD to 699,382 TEUs, with full imports increasing 5.6% and full exports growing 14.8%.

The NWSA is launching a cargo and service incentive program aimed at bolstering international container rail cargo volumes and improving service delivery in the gateway. With a commitment of $11 million in incentives, the program aims to increase intermodal cargo volume, promote vessel schedule reliability, and expand marine terminal operations. Beginning May 1, the incentives will include the Voyage Consistency & On-Time Arrival Award Program, the International Container Rail Cargo Incentive, and a Gate Operations Incentive.

Domestic container volume increased 1.8% YTD 2024 compared to YTD 2023. Alaska volumes increased 4.9%, and Hawaii volumes decreased 11.3%.

Other cargo stats:

• Total breakbulk volume increased 20.8% for 120,282 metric tons YTD.
• Auto volumes were 89,703 units, up 9.5%. Consumer demand for automobiles continues to contribute to strong volumes.

View the March 2024 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – March 2024
• Cargo statistics – March 2024