Three shipping companies have been recognized for their contributions to significantly growing cargo volumes at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma and their economic impact to the region.
Logistics service companies GLOVIS America, UWL and Swire Shipping were honored with the Cargo Anchor Award, the Northwest Seaport Alliance announced Oct. 13.
GLOVIS America contributed to the 125% spike in auto volumes at NWSA from 2022 when the logistics provider for Hyundai and KIA vehicles selected Tacoma as its gateway. About 61% of auto imports moving through NWSA come from GLOVIS, which also supports 205 local direct jobs, according to NWSA.
Working with Swire Shipping, UWL launched the Sun Chief Express service linking Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Seattle. The 18 day-transit service also gives exporters direct access to Busan, South Korea and gives high-quality refrigerated service for products such as protein, cherries and potatoes.
During its first full year, the new service saw more than 16,000 imports and 1500 exports move through the NWSA. UWL parent company World Group also opened a new warehouse in Tacoma and took on a drayage firm to further support the new service. Altogether, this accounts for more than 100 full-time local jobs, according to NWSA.
“Hyundai GLOVIS, UWL and Swire Shipping are tremendous partners with the Northwest Seaport Alliance,” said NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President Deanna Keller. “It is their vision and dedication to efficiency and innovation that helps drive cargo growth and job opportunities across our region.”
