A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is a leading North American seaport, handling more than $36 billion in annual trade and nearly 2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent container Units) in 2007. The port is the seventh largest container port in North America. Containers hold everything from computers and lawn furniture to apples and frozen meat. Based on container volumes, China is the port's largest trading partner.

Prior to the establishment of the Port of Tacoma, much of Tacoma's shipping activity took place along Ruston Way and along the mouth of the Thea Foss Waterway which opens into Commencement Bay and the larger Puget Sound. The port plays a large international trade role in the Pacific Northwest, and is a municipal corporation that operates under state-enabling legislation.

Created by Pierce County citizens in 1918, the Port has 2,400 acres (972 hectares) that are used for shipping terminal activity and warehouse, distributing, and manufacturing. Outstanding intermodal operations, connections to two transcontinental railroads and easy access to Interstate 5, Interstate 90, SR 509 and SR 167 make the Port an ideal location for warehouse and distribution activities. More than 70 percent of the Port’s international import container cargo heads east via rail to major markets, such as Chicago, Indianapolis, New York and Boston.

Each year, the port handles about 18 million tons of cargo, and more than $36 billion of commerce. Major imports include automobiles, electronics, and toys, while major exports include grain, forest products, and agricultural products. Based on tonnage, the port's largest export is grain (corn and soybeans) that come into the port by rail from the Midwest. For more information go to www.portoftacoma.com.