Total TEU volumes down 24.6%

Total container volume for March decreased 27.2% to 240,979 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Full imports declined 37.2% as imports continue to struggle due to ongoing soft demand and uncertainty around the PMA-ILWU contract negotiations. Full exports declined 5.4% but volumes have been trending up each month, with March full exports increasing 13.2% over February. Empty imports increased in March as ocean carriers position equipment to the gateway in support of upcoming ag exports. Total TEUs declined 24.6% YTD to 679,820 TEUs, with full imports and export declining 33.9% and 1.2%, respectively.

The NWSA has launched a Rail Cargo Incentive Program aimed at increasing intermodal volumes in the gateway. The program will provide a $50 incentive per rail lift for eligible rail volumes moving through the gateway beginning on May 1, 2023.

Domestic container volume decreased 3.8% YTD 2023 compared to YTD 2022. Alaska volumes decreased 2.6%, and Hawaii volumes declined 8.3%.

Other cargo stats:

• Breakbulk volume declined 5.9% for 99,607 metric tons. 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 80,452 units, up 85.3%. 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 March 2023 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – March 2023
• Cargo statistics – March 2023