Total TEU volumes down 21.9%

Total container volume for April decreased 12.9% to 232,321 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Full imports declined 14.1% as imports continue to struggle due to ongoing soft demand. Full exports increased 1.1%. Total TEUs declined 21.9% YTD to 912,141 TEUs, with full imports and exports declining 29.6% and 0.6%, respectively.

Washington United Terminals (WUT) will receive two additional super post-Panamax cranes at the end of June. These new ZPMC cranes boast a 24-wide container row reach, a lift above crane rail of 175 feet, and a lift capacity of 65 long-tons using a spreader and 100 long-tons with a cargo beam. The cranes are expected to be operational later this summer following a commissioning period. This investment will further expand on WUT’s capability to handle the larger vessels being deployed in the transpacific trade.

Domestic container volume decreased 3.5% YTD 2023 compared to YTD 2022. Alaska volumes decreased 1.6%, and Hawaii volumes declined 11.3%.

Other cargo stats:

• Breakbulk volume declined 7.3% for 131,835 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 108,216 units, up 110%. 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 April 2023 cargo reports:

• Container volumes – April 2023
• Cargo statistics – April 2023