Summary
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The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), encompassing the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, is rolling out millions of dollars in financial incentives to carriers and railroads after recording double-digit import volume losses through the first four months of 2026. Total container volume for January 2026 alone fell 13.9% year-on-year to 228,166 TEUs, reflecting a significant contraction that has prompted the NWSA to aggressively court cargo through discounted terminal rates, rail incentives, and marketing programs. The incentive push mirrors strategies employed by other secondary U.S. gateways facing intensified competition from Southern California ports as shippers consolidate volumes through larger hubs.