The Washington Apple Commission recently released an economic impact study on the effect the state’s apple industry has on the state and region.
According to the study, Washington’s apple industry is a major contributor of income, employment, and tax revenues to the state’s economy. For example, the apple industry boosted the Washington economy by an estimated $7.02 billion in direct, indirect, and induced economic activity in 2010-2011.
One aspect of the study is regarding freight mobility and transportation. It cites “the apple industry’s need for an efficient transportation system...” and that “Apple packers have operations at some public port facilities which help generate port revenue and support the critical mass of business activity that ports need to prosper.”
The study highlights the Port of Quincy WA as a key freight mobility location at which several apple packers operate facilities. In particular, the study states, “The Port of Quincy operates an intermodal terminal that ships apples and other refrigerated and frozen products to the Midwest with the Cold Train service. This service started in 2010 and features specially designed containers that can be transloaded from trucks to rail and back to trucks for efficient transport and delivery. The shipping volume is expanding rapidly and rail deliveries are being extended to eastern US markets. Service is provided six days per week. About 70% of the eastbound cargo is fresh Washington apples, with remainder being other fresh and processed fruits and vegetables.”
“We are very pleased that the Port of Quincy Intermodal Terminal has become an important shipping and distribution hub for Washington State apples,” said Curt Morris, chairman of the Port of Quincy, “and that the Cold Train is being recognized as an important freight mobility option to ship Washington State apples to the Midwest and East Coast.”
For more information, contact Morris at [email protected] or 509-214-7696; or Pat Boss at [email protected] or 509-214-7696.
