RATE INDEX

Drayage Rates — Port of Seattle / Tacoma

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), combining the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, serves as the Pacific Northwest gateway for containerized cargo. Rates here are moderate compared to LA/LB but reflect Washington state labor costs and some California-style regulatory compliance pressure on carriers operating modern clean equipment.

Rate benchmarks are estimates for a standard 40' dry container, local move. Last updated: June 2026. Actual rates vary by carrier and market conditions — always confirm directly.

$240 - $370
BASE RATE
22%
FUEL SURCH.
$30 - $50
CHASSIS SPLIT
+3%
YOY TREND
177
CARRIERS

Surcharges & Fees

CHARGE
AMOUNT
NOTES
Chassis Split Fee
$30 - $50
Chassis availability at Seattle/Tacoma has improved since 2022 port consolidation under NWSA.
Port Congestion Surcharge
$50 - $100
Seasonal — applied during peak Asia-Pacific vessel surges (typically Q4).
Regional Delivery
$50 - $150
For inland moves beyond Puget Sound area — e.g., to Spokane, Boise, or Portland.

Market Context

Seattle/Tacoma has benefited from East Coast volume shifts since 2020 and has seen steady 3% rate appreciation. The NWSA has invested in terminal modernization including expanded gate hours at the major container terminals. Carrier availability is generally better than LA/LB for equivalent volumes, and chassis pool management has improved significantly since the Alliance's operational integration.

Base Rate
One-way local move, 40' dry container, port to warehouse within 25 miles. No fuel surcharge, chassis, or port fees included.
Fuel Surcharge
Percentage added on top of base rate. Tracks diesel index, updated monthly by most carriers.
Chassis Split
Added when carrier must collect chassis from a separate pool location before the terminal gate.
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