Last week, a new auto import business launched at the Port of Portland's Marine Terminal 6. Longshore workers unloaded approximately 3,100 General Motors vehicles from the Dong-A Metis at Berth 601, the majority of which will be routed to points inland in the U.S. via rail. The Port anticipates welcoming 4 ships per month, bringing approximately 160,000 GM vehicles through Portland each year.
This new auto import business supports living-wage jobs in the region and takes advantage of the Port’s connections to river-grade transport that offers importers speed and business efficiencies.
“This business will have positive effects in the community, said Keith Leavitt, Chief Trade & Equitable Development Officer at the Port of Portland. “From the longshore workers unloading the ships to the folks moving the imports to rail cars destined for the Midwest, this new business further solidifies the Port as a premier auto gateway.”
Last week’s shipment included the Buick Envision, Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Vehicles were built in both China and Korea. After Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) receives the shipment, most cars are routed to inland points throughout the U.S. via the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific rail connections at Terminal 6.
“We couldn’t be happier with the expansion of our 30-year long relationship with the Port of Portland and with GM, as their largest single-import customer on the west coast”, said Ben Seher, Co-President of Auto Warehousing Company. “We've partnered with the Port in the automotive logistics business for three decades. Their excellent port facilities and access to reliable rail infrastructure and service mean quick and efficient shipping corridors to GM’s customers in the Midwest and Eastern U.S. We are also happy to continue our partnerships with GLOVIS shipping, BNSF and UP railroads, and are grateful to our AWC associates and members of the ILWU who move these products through the Port seven days a week in all sorts of conditions. Without their commitment to providing the best service in the industry, none of this business is possible."
Terminal 6 is a critical link between multiple modes of transportation, including truck, rail, barge and ship; the terminal provides unparalleled access for Oregon businesses and a breadth of job opportunities in the import and export industries.
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About the Port of Portland
With its three airports, four marine terminals, five business parks, and hundreds of employees, the Port of Portland connects people and businesses in the region to powerful opportunities. Using its resources, expertise, and influence, the Port is striving to pull down barriers and unlock new opportunities for those who have been left out of the region’s economic growth, including people of color, low-income workers, and people with disabilities. The Port is leading major initiatives to drive positive change in the region, from the $2 billion project to expand, modernize, and make PDX more accessible, to catapulting Oregon's mass timber industry and providing more options for small businesses to get their goods to markets around the world. For more information, visit www.PortofPortland.com.
About the Auto Warehouse Company
Auto Warehousing Company is a family-owned logistic service provider with over 50 years of experience working with all major auto manufactures helping to managing port, plant and rail distribution and storage facilities across the U.S. and Canada. We believe in empowering our people and our managers, allowing them to react quickly to our customers’ needs and providing the best service in the industry.