The Northwest Seaport Alliance Announces 2026 North Star Award Winners

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) announced the recipients of its 2026 North Star Awards, recognizing seven organizations for their contributions to the health of the gateway’s supply chain, cargo growth, environmental stewardship and operational excellence. 

This year's North Star Awards attracted 29 nominations across five competitive categories, recognizing organizations whose actions support a stronger, more competitive gateway and regional economy. 

"The North Star Awards recognize the companies that are helping keep the Seattle-Tacoma gateway competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace," said Ryan Calkins, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President. "This year's winners demonstrate how investment, innovation and partnership can create stronger supply chains, support regional jobs and deliver value for customers moving cargo through the Pacific Northwest."

"This year's winners demonstrate why companies continue to choose and invest in the Seattle-Tacoma gateway," said Dick Marzano, NWSA Managing Member Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President. "Whether expanding cargo volumes, building new export capacity, advancing sustainability efforts, or improving supply chain performance, these organizations are helping build a stronger future for our region."

Cargo Anchor Awards

The Cargo Anchor Awards recognize importers, exporters and ocean carriers whose business growth and investment strengthen the Seattle-Tacoma gateway and support regional economic growth.

Importer of the Year: Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool earned Importer of the Year after significantly expanding its use of the Seattle-Tacoma gateway as part of a strategic effort to improve supply chain performance, reduce risk and strengthen inland distribution. The company increased NWSA's volumes through the gateway of its imports by approximately 15% in 2025.

Milwaukee Tool cited efficient terminal operations, strong rail connectivity to Memphis and consistent transit times as key reasons for shifting cargo to Seattle-Tacoma. Its investment has helped build cargo density, strengthen inland rail service, and support cargo volume growth to one of NWSA's key inland markets.

Exporter of the Year: Darigold

Darigold was recognized as Exporter of the Year for its continued commitment to Washington's agricultural economy and its more than $1 billion investment in a new dairy processing facility in Pasco, Washington, that will supply dairy products to customers in the U.S. and some 30 countries worldwide.

As one of the NWSA's top 10 export customers, Darigold's investment is expected to support nearly 200 direct jobs and up to 1,000 jobs across transportation, warehousing and agriculture in the region, while strengthening Washington's position in global dairy markets. 

Carrier of the Year: MSC

MSC received Carrier of the Year after recording the largest year-over-year increase in international container volume among ocean carriers calling at NWSA terminals. 

MSC increased its container volume compared with the previous year while expanding cargo opportunities, strengthening connections to inland markets and demonstrating a continued commitment to reliable service and customer-focused growth.

Service Excellence - Supply Chain Partner of the Year Award

The Service Excellence Award recognizes organizations that deliver exceptional value and service to shippers utilizing the Seattle-Tacoma gateway.

Pacific Terminal Services Company (PTSC) emerged as one of the most broadly supported nominees in the competition, receiving nominations from customers and partners across the supply chain. 

Nominators consistently highlighted its operational excellence, cargo fluidity, workforce development, customer service, and collaborative problem-solving. During 2025, the company doubled the volume of breakbulk and automobile cargo handled, invested more than $500,000 in operational enhancements, and implemented initiatives that improved reliability and efficiency for its customers. 

Environmental Stewardship Award

The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes organizations whose actions are helping create a more sustainable future for the maritime industry, regional economy, and global supply chains.

CMI Orchards is one of Washington state's largest growers, packers, shippers, and exporters of apples, pears, and cherries. The company was recognized for integrating environmental stewardship throughout its operations and supply chain. 

Through its CMI SOARS initiative and The Soil Center, CMI is advancing regenerative agriculture practices that eliminate orchard burning, improve soil health, upcycle organic materials, and reduce emissions while supporting Washington's export economy. The company’s goal of sequestering 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and new approaches to connect sustainability efforts throughout the food supply chain supported its selection

Partner Awards

Introduced in 2025, the Partner Awards recognize organizations employing best practices that contribute to strong working relationships and efficient operations throughout the Seattle-Tacoma gateway.

Terminal Partner of the Year: Husky Terminal

Husky Terminal received the Terminal Partner of the Year Award, which is selected by members of the Washington Trucking Associations. The award recognizes marine terminals that excel in operational efficiency, ease of use, and customer service for truckers serving the gateway.

Trucking companies recognized Husky for its responsiveness, flexibility, willingness to add gate shifts when needed, accommodation of same-day requests, strong customer service, and ongoing efforts to reduce congestion and improve freight fluidity.

Trucking Partner of the Year: Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW)

Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) received the Trucking Partner of the Year Award, which is selected by NWSA marine terminal operators. The award recognizes trucking companies that provide reliable service, foster strong working relationships with terminal operators, and help keep cargo moving efficiently throughout the gateway.

EFW was recognized for its consistent service, operational reliability, and commitment to supporting productive terminal-trucking partnerships that contribute to a stronger and more efficient supply chain.