Total container volume for the month decreased 13.6% to 272,129 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with October full imports and exports declining 22.5% and 28.2%, respectively. Year-to-date volumes declined 8% to 2,905,183 TEUs, with full imports and exports declining 12.5% and 22.4%, respectively. The early arrival of holiday-related goods led to weaker than normal import peak-season volumes, and void sailings by ocean carriers contributed to the YoY volume declines. Exporters continue to face headwinds from a strong dollar, ongoing tariffs in key markets, and lower vessel capacity from voided sailings.

The NWSA will receive a Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant for improvements to Terminal 5 in the Seattle Harbor. The project includes the construction of a new truck gate complex and the construction of a cargo container storage yard. Phase Two of the Terminal 5 Modernization Program is underway with operations in the south berth expected to begin in 2024. At full buildout, Terminal 5 will boast 185-acres and an estimated 1.2M TEUs of container-handling capacity.

Domestic container volumes increased 0.4% compared to YTD October 2021. Alaska volumes increased 1.9% while Hawaii volumes declined 5.7%.

• YTD October breakbulk cargo volumes grew 31.7% for 402,638 metric tons.
• Auto volumes were 133,051 units, down 2.1% over YTD October 2021.

View the October 2022 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – October 2022
• Cargo statistics – October 2022