Port of Tacoma EB1 Terminal Expands Shipping Options

The Port of Tacoma's EB1 Terminal has expanded shipping options, making it a more attractive choice for importers and exporters. This expansion allows for larger vessels to dock, increasing cargo capacity.

The terminal now has the ability to handle vessels up to 1,300 feet in length, providing more space for cargo. This increase in capacity will help reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency.

The EB1 Terminal's expansion also includes new container storage and handling equipment, further streamlining the shipping process. This equipment will enable faster and more efficient loading and unloading of cargo.

Tacoma offers a unique combination of advantages that make it an attractive choice for shipping needs. The Port of Tacoma is an international gateway to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Its proximity to Seattle allows businesses to utilize the latter's logistics and transportation services to ship their freight more efficiently. This proximity can be a game-changer for companies that need to ship goods quickly and cost-effectively.

Tacoma's logistics industry covers all transportation methods, including truck, air, rail, and ocean. This means businesses can pick one mode of transportation or combine them all to create an optimized shipping route and cut down on transportation costs and delivery times.

Here are some of the transportation options available in Tacoma:

To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended, especially since it will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals along the way.

Tacoma's shipping options are quite flexible, allowing you to compare freight rates with a freight quote tool to find a carrier that fits your budget.

You can use this tool to find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs.

To ensure a smooth shipping experience, it's a good idea to ask in-house shipping experts which carrier will be best for your shipment, as they can also advise on any additional fees or special services required.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has formed a partnership with the Puyallup Tribe to enhance the region's shipping capacity.

The partnership will lead to the construction of a new berth on the East Blair Waterway, increasing the Seattle/Tacoma gateway's ability to accommodate the world's largest shipping lines.

Puyallup Tribe will develop a new pier adjacent to the existing East Blair Terminal 1 (EB1) on approximately 22,000 m² of Tribal land.

NWSA will provide technical support to ensure seamless integration and efficiency between the two piers.

The new terminal, tentatively named the “Puyallup Tribal Terminal”, will feature similar capabilities as EB1, including on-dock rail access, and will incorporate carbon reduction technology to minimize local environmental impacts.

The expanded two-berth facility will enhance both Puyallup Tribe's and NWSA's competitive position in the global marketplace by attracting new business and creating job opportunities.

The Puyallup Tribe owns more than 120,000 m² of prime land along the Blair Waterway, and this partnership will fully realize the value of the property and position both the Tribe and the surrounding community for long-term economic growth.

Here are some key facts about the partnership:

Tacoma Freight Shipping is a crucial aspect of the city's economy, with the Port of Tacoma generating nearly $3 billion for Pierce County's economy. The port is one of the largest marine cargo operations in the US and is where two Class 1 railroads, BNSF Railway and Union Pacific, operate out of.

Tacoma has a strong logistics and transportation industry, with residents and businesses relying heavily on automobiles for transportation. The city's highways and roads are extremely important for freight shipping, with many cargo airlines, including FedEx and UPS, serving the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport located just 18 miles from downtown Tacoma.

The city primarily trades with countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan. As of 2024, Tacoma ranks 19th in total imports in the United States, with imports valued at approximately $33.5 billion. It ranks 58th in total exports, exporting around $8.36 billion.

Some of the key commodities shipped through Tacoma include petroleum (crude and refined), frozen vegetables, video games and consoles, and large sized cars.