Summary of water-borne commerce of Everett, Wash., 1927-36

Summary of water-borne commerce of Everett, Wash., 1937

AVERAGE ANNUAL COMMERCE OF EVERETT, WASH., 1927-1936

GENERAL

The situation existing at Everett is the same as that prevailing to a greater or lesser degree at all Puget Sound ports. The principal activity is the handling of logs and their conversion into lumber, plywood, pulp, and other products at the water-side lumber mills, many of which are located on the improved waterways. The importance of the port of Everett is almost entirely due to the unlimited supply of forest products shipped directly from mill wharves or overside from water or barges.

An analysis of the commerce of the port indicates that it can hardly be considered a port of entry, nor can it be considered a gateway to or from any extensive territory. The general cargo handled through the port is so small that it could hardly be considered a factor in the traffic of the port. Practically all receipts are consumed locally and items of shipment are produced in the port or the port area. Everett is served by three important rail systems and has more or less frequent vessel service to the important American and foreign ports. The general cargo piers and equipment, while not strictly modern, are capable of handling a much larger volume of tonnage than is now moving over them. The port is on a parity with all other Puget Sound ports, so far as terminal charges and freight rates on import, export, and domestic transcontinental traffic are concerned, as well as on traffic to and from adjacent territory. The competition offered by the larger Washington ports, with superior vessel service and handling equipment has precluded any substantial development of transcontinental traffic.

A further analysis of the commerce of the port indicates that the year 1930 was the outstanding year so far as volume of tonnage is concerned, reaching an all-time high in that year. Tonnages have fallen off since that year but appear to be returning, considerable gains having been made during the year 1936. Recent increases in the receipt of sulphur, sodium compounds, and other chemicals call attention to the comparatively new pulp industry in and adjacent to the port. The activities of this industry are also reflected in the shipment of pulp both in the export and coastwise trades. The volume of these items may appear small and of little consequence when compared to the total traffic at the port but they indicate a potential source of commerce which will no doubt become an important factor in the future growth and development of the port. The increased shipments of plywood and shingles have also added ma