SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRADE AND LOGISTICS region ’ s proximity to these markets enables the company to significantly reduce handling times from origin to customer destinations across the country .
“ For automotive customers shipping from Asia into the gateway , we had the opportunity to explore out-of-the-box solutions , particularly for those shipping cars in containers due to a shortage of rollon / roll-off vessels ,” Mayer said . “ Our team in Sumner unloads cars from Asia daily to support these customers and ensure timely delivery to US dealerships . This strategic positioning enhances our operational efficiency and aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions to meet our customers ’ unique needs .”
The PNW also has a unique , robust agricultural economy . This supports longtime area businesses such as Sprint Forwarders , an NVO and international freight forwarder , and encourages the expansion of companies that build harvest and sorting equipment , food processing equipment and more .
“ Asia has been key to our growth due to its proximity to the Pacific Northwest and its historical connections to our region ,” said Jocelyn Roemer-Patchen , founder and CEO of Sprint Forwarders . “ Our strong agents in Asia work to make customs clearance and transportation a seamless process for our clients .”
Cargo transported by Sprint to and from Asia includes forage products , grain , manufactured items , e-commerce goods and refrigerated cargo . Sprint recently began serving the fruit industry by providing competitive ocean freight rates and error-free paperwork for exports to Asia and Latin America .
“ The Pacific Northwest is also an advantageous geographical location for air cargo as it ’ s equal distance between Europe and Asia ,” said Roemer-Patchen . Sprint Forwarders , which plans to expand its Seattle and Tukwila offices this year , utilizes its location by offering fast transit times to clients shipping medical supplies , large truck parts and other cargoes .
However , the PNW has a smaller consumer population than other areas of the US . “ For importers and exporters here , that can be challenging ,” said Krawczyk . “ Consider that almost 60 % of the US population lives in the eastern half . That ’ s why rail access from Seattle and Tacoma into the Midwest and the number of weekly sailings this region receives versus the Pacific Southwest is so key . We ’ ll need creative solutions and products to entice more throughput through our corridor .
“ Historically , dwell times and congestion have been more prevalent in the Southwest , and as companies derisk their supply chain , the gateway is a great next option ripe for growth .”
NWSA ’ s five-year capital investment plan will further these opportunities for growth . The plan includes expanding and modernizing container terminals and handling equipment , deepening harbor projects , increasing rail capacity , developing inland ports and using real-time technology and data to boost freight velocity .
www . joc . com April 8 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 37