More on Grays Harbor … the best-kept secret in the world of shipping.

“Grays Harbor County has a dedicated and stable work force that enjoys the quality of life in their communities. Community governments are appreciative of businesses that create jobs and are readily accessible for assistance. Good training programs are available through Grays Harbor College and the CELL Technology Center.” — Commissioner Isabelle Lamb, Port of Grays Harbor.

SEAPORT — The gem of the County is its deepwater Port. Grays Harbor is maintained at >36 mllw (mean lower low water depth) in the main channel. It is the only deep-water port located on the Washington Coast and the only one on the Pacific north of San Francisco. The Pacific Ocean is only two hours sail from the private docking facilities located on the Chehalis River. The Port boasts 4 marine terminals: three have full docking facilities, two have warehousing, one has cargo cranes and one has a tie-up area for barge loading.

HIGHWAYS — Grays Harbor County’s uncongested transportation routes deliver your products to market without the congestion of urban areas. There are 218 miles of state highway in the county. State Hwy 8/U.S. Hwy 12 connecting the Port with Olympia at I-5 is at only 20% capacity as compared with I-5, which is often over 90% capacity in many areas of Puget Sound. Five major highways converge within the county to provide easy, uncongested access to all communities.

TRUCKING — There are 14 trucking firms offering long-haul service and another 6 that provide local cartage. With the heavy volume of lumber shipped to and from Grays Harbor, numerous independent truckers also serve the area on a regular basis. Grays Harbor is served by United Parcel Service, Federal Express and other overnight and ground shipping companies.

RAIL — The Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad is a Washington shortline that operates daily on 60 miles of track in the county and interchanges with both Burlington Northern and Union Pacific Railroads. Having the capability to interchange with both these railroads provides very competitive freight rates to destination service throughout the United States. Puget Sound and Pacific is a subsidiary of RailAmerica, which owns 39 railroads and controls 11,000 miles of track in four countries.

AIRPORTS — Bowerman Airport, located on the bay in Hoquiam, has a 5,000 foot jet-capable runway and full ILS navigational services. Other public airports include one in Elma, which is adjacent to the Satsop Industrial Park, one in Ocean Shores and one in Westport. Major airport facilities and commercial airlines are available at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, an hour and a half from downtown Aberdeen, and at Portland International Airport, which is less than 3 hours by Interstate 5.

[If two ships per week docked at this port this year, there’d be no backlog in LA/LB! Do the math.]