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January 2012
Agriculture products help boost Tacoma's 2011 container exports
Increased exports of agriculture products helped boost the Port of Tacoma's full containerized export volumes by 11 percent in 2011.
Agriculture products account for more than half of the Port's full containerized exports. Leading agriculture exports through Tacoma include potatoes, hops and hay.
The Port's total container volumes reached 1,488,799 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, the industry's standard measure), up 2 percent for 2011. Total international container volumes were up 5 percent for the year, while total domestic container volumes (Alaska and Hawaii) were down 3 percent.
See all Port of Tacoma 2011 cargo totals.
Share your thoughts on Port's draft strategic plan
With input from community members, customers, business leaders and employees, the Port is developing a strategic plan to guide its actions over the next five years. Learn more about the Port's draft plan and provide your feedback at two open houses next month. Learn more in Upcoming Events.
Federal tax puts U.S. ports at disadvantage
In formal comments to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Port outlined how the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) creates the unintended incentive for international importers to divert cargo to non-U.S. ports. The FMC recently launched an inquiry on the topic.
The federal tax, which helps pay for harbor maintenance dredging, is assessed on international imports that land at U.S. ports. Cargo moving through Canadian and Mexican ports is not assessed the tax, despite a growing volume of imports that travel to U.S. markets by crossing the border on rail or trucks.
While many factors influence where shippers and carriers route cargo, the Port believes any federal policy that adds $130 to $150 to the cost of moving a container plays a role. Price matters and HMT increases the price of moving cargo through U.S. ports. Read more.
OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS
SUPERVALU, Inc. received the 2011 National Waste Wise Award Honorable Mention from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the company's exceptional commitment to food recovery. The grocery, retail and pharmacy company made waste reduction and recycling a priority in 2010, adding a new full-time position to implement a successful waste diversion program. The company includes such stores as Albertsons, Shoppers, Jewel-Osco and Shaw's. The Minnesota-based company has a distribution center in Tacoma near the Port. Learn more about EPA's Food Recovery Challenge.
South Alaska Forwarding (SAF) has merged with Pacific Alaska Freightways (PAF). Although SAF's name has changed, the entire SAF Kodiak team will remain in place. PAF provides freight transportation services to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Kodiak and Southeast Alaska. The company has a facility located near the Port in Fife.
The Tacoma Transportation Club named Lynden Transport, Inc. Company of the Year at the club's January meeting.
Forbes magazine named Washington state the seventh best for business and careers. The study ranked all 50 states on six key categories: costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Read the article.
Carlile Transportation Systems CEO Harry McDonald talked about the important trade and business connections between the Puget Sound and Alaska in a recent TV interview.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, Jan. 30
Agriculture Transportation Coalition Pacific Northwest Workshop
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
8235 N.E. Airport Way
Portland, Ore.
Monday, Feb. 13
Port of Tacoma Strategic Plan Open House
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Fabulich Center
3600 Port of Tacoma Rd., Tacoma
Introductory comments at 5 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 13
Transportation Club of Tacoma luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shenanigan's
Cost: $30 prepaid
Speaker: John Wolfe, CEO, Port of Tacoma
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Port of Tacoma Strategic Plan Open House
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
McGavick Student and Conference Center
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood
Introductory comments at 5 p.m.
Feb. 19-22
Logistics 2012 Conference
Presented by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
Dallas, Texas
Visit the Port at booth #604
March 5-6
Trans-Pacific Maritime (TPM) Conference
Presented by the Journal of Commerce
Long Beach, Calif.
The Port of Tacoma is a multi-media sponsor
March 14-16
CONECT's 16th Annual Northeast Trade and Transportation Conference
Hotel Viking
Newport, R.I.
Tuesday, March 20
Tacoma Propeller Club meeting
Speaker: Lt. Col. John Redinger, commander, 833rd Transportation Battalion
5:30 p.m.
LaQuinta Inn
Cost: $25
RSVP: 253-627-0671 or cnigretto@portoftacoma.com
READER POLL
Washington state produces what percentage of U.S. hops?
a. 23
b. 42
c. 51
d. 77
Email your answer to businessreport@portoftacoma.com. Three responders, chosen at random, will win a special gift. Entries close Friday, Feb. 4.
NOTE: Port of Tacoma employees and family members can enter for fun, but they are not eligible to win the prizes in this contest.