Why Seattle Logistics is a Rising Star in the U.S. Supply Chain

When most people think of logistics hubs, the big names like Los Angeles, Chicago, or Atlanta often come to mind. But over the past decade, Seattle has emerged as one of the most dynamic logistics gateways in North America. With its deep-water ports, tech-driven workforce, and global connections, Seattle offers shippers a unique blend of advantages for moving goods quickly and efficiently.

As Weber Logistics expands its services into the Pacific Northwest (along with Atlanta and NY/NJ) we explore why Seattle stands out as a critical hub for today’s supply chains.

Seattle’s Logistics Advantages by the Numbers

A leading U.S. container port: The combined Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, now known as the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), rank among the nation’s top container gateways. The Alliance reports that it handled “nearly $76 billion of waterborne trade with 176 trading partners globally in 2024.”
$55 billion in economic output: Port operations in Seattle support more than 265,000 jobs across the region, underscoring its impact on trade and employment (Port of Seattle).
460,000+ metric tons of air cargo: According to the Washington State DoT, Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac) “handled 1,373,067 metric tons of total cargo (not including plane weight) in 2023—an increase of 0.04% from 1,372,508 metric tons in 2022.”
Seamless transport: Interstate 5, extensive rail connections, and proximity to Canada provide efficient north-south and cross-border routes.
Global trade gateway: Seattle’s ports are a primary entry point for goods from Asia, reinforcing its role as a bridge between U.S. consumers and overseas suppliers. The NWSA’s website states that “we are the fourth-largest container gateway for containerized cargo shipping between Asia and major distribution points in the Midwest, Ohio Valley and the East Coast.”

Why Seattle Makes Sense for Logistics

Seattle offers a unique mix of infrastructure and innovation that’s hard to match. Here are the standout advantages:

Global Connectivity – With strong maritime links to Asia and Alaska, plus air cargo access via Sea-Tac, Seattle is a true international gateway.
Multimodal Transport – Rail, highway, and port infrastructure provide shippers with reliable intermodal options to move goods nationwide.
Industry Synergies – Aerospace, manufacturing, and eCommerce sectors all have a strong presence in the region, fueling demand for specialized logistics support.
Urban Last-Mile Innovation – Seattle is piloting micro-hubs, parcel lockers, and digital parking systems to optimize final-mile delivery and reduce congestion.

Weber Seattle Logistics Services: Your Supply Chain, Our Expertise

After considering all of the above, it’s no wonder that many large companies and importers have included Seattle prominently in their supply chain mixes. It is, after all, a combination of these facts and figures that has prompted Weber Logistics to make Seattle one of the first three locales of our national expansion.

For over 100 years, customers throughout California and the West Coast have turned to Weber Logistics for integrated supply chain services delivered with an agile approach to logistics, and an unceasing commitment to outstanding customer service.

As part of our national expansion, Weber Logistics is proud to bring our integrated, port-to-shelf expertise to Seattle. Whether you need drayage from the port, temperature-controlled warehousing, or integrated distribution services, our team is ready to support your growth in the Pacific Northwest.