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    A large container ship surges forward creating a wave as it navigates the Port of Tacoma waters under a dusky sky

    Port of Tacoma

    Washington
    West Coast

    Overview

    The Port of Tacoma, located in Washington state on the West Coast, stands as one of the largest container ports in the United States and plays a pivotal role in international and domestic trade. Situated on Commencement Bay in the southern Puget Sound, the port benefits from deepwater access and proximity to major inland transportation routes, including key highways and national rail networks. As a founding partner of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Port of Tacoma has merged its marine cargo operations with the Port of Seattle, creating the fourth-largest container gateway in the U.S. and a major link between Asia, Alaska, Hawaii, and the continental United States. The port handles a significant volume of imports and exports, with top partners in China, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian nations. Its comprehensive facilities support diverse cargo types, from containers and automobiles to breakbulk and project cargo. Committed to sustainable practices, the port actively pursues environmental stewardship projects, such as reducing diesel emissions and investing in green infrastructure. The Port of Tacoma directly supports over 42,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity, making it a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s economy and supply chain.

    Facilities

    • TOTE Maritime Alaska Terminal
    • Husky Terminal
    • East Sitcum Terminal
    • West Sitcum Terminal
    • Terminal 7
    • Washington United Terminals (WUT)
    • Blair Terminal
    • East Blair One (EB1) Terminal
    • Pierce County Terminal
    • West Hylebos Terminal

    Operating Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (terminal hours may vary; some facilities offer extended gate hours on select days)

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Maersk
    2
    MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
    3
    CMA CGM
    4
    Hapag-Lloyd
    5
    ONE (Ocean Network Express)
    6
    Evergreen Line
    7
    HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine)
    8
    COSCO Shipping
    9
    Yang Ming

    Tools & Resources

    Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.

    Data & Reports

    Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Port of Tacoma.

    Location & Maps

    Find Port of Tacoma on popular mapping services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Port of Tacoma.

    What is the process and how long does customs clearance take for import cargo through US seaports?

    Typical import flow is vessel arrival, berth assignment, container discharge, customs review, release, dray pickup, and final delivery. Standard clearance may be same day to several days depending on documentation and exams.

    What is the process and how long does export cargo take through US seaports?

    Typical export flow is inland dray to terminal, terminal gate-in, documentation and filing, vessel loading, and departure. Timing depends on cutoff windows, bookings, inspections, and vessel schedule.

    For More Info

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