Seattle Port Struggles as Tariffs Limit Work for Dockworkers

Veteran longshoremen face economic uncertainty as trade disputes impact cargo traffic and job availability at the Port of Seattle.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Port of Seattle, a major West Coast shipping hub, has seen a significant decline in cargo traffic and available work for dockworkers due to the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. With as few as 70 jobs available for a pool of 600 workers, veteran longshoremen are facing economic uncertainty and the possibility of a once-stable blue-collar career becoming increasingly out of reach for younger workers.

Why it matters

The struggles at the Port of Seattle highlight the broader impact of the Trump administration's trade policies on American workers and communities that rely on international trade. The tariffs have disrupted supply chains, reduced cargo volumes, and threatened the livelihoods of dockworkers who have historically enjoyed secure, well-paying jobs with strong benefits.

The details

The Port of Seattle, like other West Coast ports, has seen a significant decline in cargo traffic over the past year, with the total number of shipping containers passing through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma down almost 4% from 2024. This has led to a severe shortage of available work for longshoremen, with as few as 70 jobs available on some days for a pool of 600 workers. The uncertainty has hit both veteran longshoremen, who are losing opportunities for overtime and specialized work, as well as newer 'casual' workers who are struggling to advance into higher-paying, more secure positions.

  • Through November 2025, the total number of shipping containers passing through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma was down almost 4% from 2024.
  • Since August 2025, the monthly drop in traffic has been in the double digits compared to 2024, with no pre-Christmas rush.

The players

Sarah Esch

A dispatcher for dockworkers at the Port of Seattle, responsible for tracking jobs and assigning work to longshoremen.

Gina Dobson

A 49-year-old A-level worker with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 19, representing the highest tier of longshoremen with the most seniority and benefits.

Antonio Cappiello

A 37-year-old A-level longshoreman who is concerned about the unpredictability of his take-home pay due to the decline in cargo traffic.

Matt Mirante

A 31-year-old casual longshoreman who has only worked 7 shifts in the past 3 months, considering quitting to focus on his junk removal business.

Abegail Contreras

A 41-year-old casual longshoreman who has only picked up 4 shifts in the last month, living with her mother and working several other jobs while hoping to advance to a higher-paying, more secure position.

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What they’re saying

“No ships came in last night, so we have maybe 70 jobs today for 600 workers. Those numbers aren't great.”

— Sarah Esch, Dispatcher (The New York Times)

“Once you get to A-level, there's no better career. But we all tell the casuals, 'Don't quit your day job.'”

— Gina Dobson, A-level Longshoreman (The New York Times)

“Oh, it all sucks. You just can't predict from week to week or month to month what your take-home will be.”

— Antonio Cappiello, A-level Longshoreman (The New York Times)

“I've wanted to be a longshoreman since I was a kid. I can see what kind of life it will mean once I make it upstairs.”

— Abegail Contreras, Casual Longshoreman (The New York Times)

What’s next

The Port of Seattle and its dockworkers are closely monitoring the ongoing trade disputes and tariffs, hoping for a resolution that will restore cargo volumes and job stability in the industry.

The takeaway

The struggles at the Port of Seattle highlight the broader economic and social impact of the Trump administration's trade policies, which have disrupted once-stable blue-collar careers and threatened the livelihoods of workers and communities that rely on international trade.