NWSA lengthens extended gates program

The Northwest Seaport Alliance has lengthened its extended gates program to support the peak shipping season’s strong agricultural exports.    The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma has lengthened its extended gates program through Dec. 2 to support the peak shipping season’s strong agricultural exports, the port alliance said.
   “Based on the positive feedback we received from our customers, we are pleased to offer three additional weeks of the extended gate program, which was set to conclude on Nov. 11,” said Dustin Stoker, NWSA chief operations officer.
   The program includes various extended hour options, including “flexed gates” from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., lunch gate hours Monday through Friday, an off-shift gate after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, along with a Saturday or Sunday shift.
   Nearly 10 weeks into the program, the international container terminal operators have added about 50 to 70 hours per week.
   NWSA will continue to reimburse the terminal operators up to $2 million, which was originally authorized for the pilot program.
   The alliance launched the 12-week program in August to help marine terminal operators avoid congestion on surface streets in the port’s industrial areas and keep import and export cargo flowing efficiently during peak season.