Breakbulk Cargo

The Northwest Seaport Alliance offers a complete solution for your breakbulk and project cargo needs.  We handle over-dimensional, wheeled, tracked and static cargo arriving on both ro-ro and lo-lo vessels, in addition to fly-in/fly-out capabilities for helicopters. The NWSA has a proven track record moving all cargo types with precision and speed. 

 

Facilities

NWSA operates multiple deep-water berths in Seattle and Tacoma harbors, each offering different handling capabilities for maximum flexibility and to accommodate all your cargo needs.  

Terminal 46 in Seattle. Terminal 46

  • East Blair 1 (EB-1), our premier breakbulk terminal, which is shown above, is equipped with on-dock rail, a 2000 PSF heavy lift pad, secured storage and new heavy lift equipment with a combined lift capacity of 80 metric tons for handling a variety of cargo. Explore all our terminals and their capabilities.
  • NWSA is now leasing Terminal 46, a 50-acre deep-water marine terminal. Strategically located on the Seattle waterfront with convenient access to major road and rail infrastructure, this property is uniquely suited for water-dependent uses including breakbulk cargo operations, logistics and other maritime support activities.
  • Additional industrial real estate is available in both Seattle and Tacoma harbors for your bulk and breakbulk handling and storage needs. See all property opportunities currently available in the NWSA gateway. 

Transportation Connections

  • The world’s leading breakbulk and ro-ro carriers offer regularly scheduled international liner service to Asia, Europe and Oceania, and via transshipment to anywhere in the world. Click here for more information.
  • Service from both the BNSF Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad with barge, road and on-dock rail connects our harbors with the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, Alaska, and US Midwest markets.  

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Your Cargo Handling Experts

  • Our Operations Service Center and dedicated breakbulk customer service team are committed to delivering a seamless and worry-free port experience from initial quote to cargo delivery. To get in contact with a member of our team for a quote on your breakbulk shipment, please e-mail breakbulkquotes@nwseaportalliance.com.
  • A highly skilled and experienced workforce trained specifically for handling of non-containerized and breakbulk cargo makes Seattle and Tacoma harbors the natural choice for your shipments.
  • Extensive support services for handling of project and breakbulk cargo, including experienced stevedores, labor, equipment, pilots, agents, lashing services, tug services, bunkering and on-terminal fumigation services.

EB1 Gate Schedule

View the 14-day gate schedule for East Blair One Terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find information on my non-containerized cargo (breakbulk, project, heavy-lift, autos)?

For questions about breakbulk, project or heavy-lift cargo, contact NWSA customer service:

  • Lead Freight Coordinator – 253-383-9424
  • Export – breakbulk: 253-428-8694 / 253-383-9429
  • Import – breakbulk: 253-383-9424 / 253-383-9429

Breakbulk and auto questions can also be directed to the shipping line transporting your cargo:

  • EUKOR (Wilhelmsen Ship Service): 206-652-4411
  • Hyundai-GLOVIS (Wilhelmsen Ship Service): 206-652-4411
  • “K” Line – Auto Carrier (“K” Line America): 206-421-4750
  • MOL – Auto Carrier (Norton Lilly): 206-622-6250
  • NYK Line – Auto Carrier (Inchcape Shipping): 206-527-7451
  • Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (Norton Lilly): 206-622-6250
  • World Logistics Service/WLS (Norton Lilly): 206-622-6250

How much will it cost to load my truck at the breakbulk terminal?

If the cargo is driveable or trailerable:

  • $14.03/1,000 kgs

If the cargo is not drivable or trailerable, then the following fees would apply to non-rolling (static) cargo based on weight:

  • 0-15MT: $26.29/1,000 kgs
  • 15-25MT: $40.80/1,000 kgs
  • 25-35MT: $50.48/1,000 kgs
  • 35-45MT: $84.80/1,000 kgs
  • 45+MT: $123.52/1,000 kgs

Cargo longer than 25ft: $44.68/1,000 kgs

  • More than 55MT: To lift anything over 55MT, the port will need to order an outside crane. Contact Will Routley for details.

 

Download the Tariff Truck rates.

 

Please note: With all static cargo, an outside crane may be necessary due to the cargo's dimensions, center of gravity or other factors. Contact Will Routley for details.

What do I need to bring with me when picking up or dropping off breakbulk cargo?

Once your order is processed, either you or your dispatcher will be emailed a link to documents. Print them and bring them with you to our terminal.

Will I be turned away if I don't have the correct paperwork?

Yes, you will need to leave the terminal without picking up or dropping off cargo. Call the Port of Tacoma Customer Service Office at 253-592-6750 for assistance. You or the dispatcher will then receive a link via email. Download the document and print it out.