International Longshore and Warehouse Union
 Local 21

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Local 21: Fueling Local Economies and Global Trade

Based in Longview, Washington, we at ILWU Local 21 play a vital role in keeping global trade moving through the Columbia River. From agricultural goods to log exports, we connect industries and communities to international markets with safety, efficiency, and pride.

Working across multiple terminals, we handle a wide range of cargo every day—including logs, lumber, calcined coke, salt, potash, soda ash, clay, windmill components, steel coils, agricultural products, and more.

We’re more than longshore workers—we’re a team of skilled professionals committed to supporting industries, strengthening our communities, and powering global commerce.

Working Waterfront: ILWU Local 21

Welcome to the working waterfront of the Columbia River — where we at ILWU Local 21 keep cargo moving day and night across Longview, Kalama, and beyond.

We load and unload a wide range of cargo — from grain, logs, and steel to bulk materials, project cargo, and oversized equipment — connecting our local economy to markets around the world.

Our grain terminals, including EGT in Longview and both Kalama Export and Temco in Kalama, ship massive volumes of corn, wheat, and soybeans to feed the global supply chain.

Just west of the Lewis and Clark Bridge, we work at the two Weyerhaeuser Log Docks — home to some of the most efficient log export operations in the world. Our longshore crews and Weyerhaeuser yard crews team up to move hundreds of loads of Northwest timber every day to customers around the globe.

At the Port of Longview, we operate across multiple berths:

  • Berths 6 and 8 are used for log exports, break-bulk project cargo, and oversized heavy picks — including one-off specialty shipments or extremely heavy loads that require tandem ship-side cranes or the Port’s large Liebherr mobile harbor cranes.

  • Berth 7 handles scrap metal exports and bulk imports like iron ore.

  • Berth 5, operated by BP, exports calcined coke — a byproduct used in the production of metals.

  • Berth 2, operated by International Raw Materials (IRM), is a direct transfer facility that moves potash and soda ash directly from rail cars to ships via conveyor belts.

Outside the Port of Longview, we unload bulk salt imports at the Salt Dock for use in chlorine manufacturing.

We also load lumber barges bound for the south at Teevin’s Dock and unload imported steel coils at Kalama’s North Port, supplying Steelscape’s metal manufacturing facility.

This is longshore work — real cargo, real people, and real jobs. Use the interactive map below to explore each terminal and learn more about the work we do every day at ILWU Local 21.

Skilled. Adaptable. Union Strong.

Longshore work in Longview and Kalama is about more than just moving cargo — it’s about being ready for anything.

At smaller ports like ours, versatility isn’t optional — it’s essential. We at ILWU Local 21 are a crew of skilled, adaptable workers who know how to get the job done, no matter what comes down the river. Whether it’s loading logs and grain — the day-to-day operations that keep things running — or tackling a one-time project cargo nobody’s seen before, we take pride in being built for the unexpected.

From bulk materials to windmill components, heavy equipment, steel, and specialty freight, we’re trained to safely and efficiently handle all types of vessels and cargo across multiple facilities. In a port like ours, we don’t get the luxury of doing just one job — we’re expected to do it all, often on short notice, and we show up ready to do it right.

That’s the reputation we’ve earned — a workforce known for our flexibility, skill, and commitment to getting the job done safely, no matter the cargo, no matter the challenge.

Forestry

At ILWU Local 21, we’ve helped set the standard for safety and efficiency in global log export operations. Each year, we load dozens of vessels with Northwest timber—primarily at the two Weyerhaeuser Log Docks west of the Lewis and Clark Bridge, recognized among the most efficient log export sites in the world. We also support occasional log shipments at Berths 6 and 8, which are owned and operated by the Port of Longview.

Safety is at the core of everything we do. We work to protect our crews, safeguard the environment, and ensure the integrity of every load we handle. That commitment allows us to move high volumes with precision, consistency, and professionalism.

Through disciplined teamwork and close attention to detail, we continue to uphold the highest standards in log exports—supporting global trade while strengthening the economy right here at home.

Wind Energy

We take pride in supporting the renewable energy sector by handling the import of large-scale wind turbine components at terminals operated by our regional port partners. From the moment these shipments arrive to the final stages of transport, we manage every step with precision and professionalism.

Moving these components requires careful planning and execution. Turbine blades over 100 feet long are offloaded with attention to their delicate fiberglass structures, while massive generators—each roughly the size of a small house—demand specialized equipment and coordinated handling to ensure safety.

Our work reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable industries. By safely and efficiently managing these critical components at local terminals, we help power the growth of renewable energy and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Steel

We play an essential role in supporting steel cargo operations at both the Port of Kalama and the Port of Longview. In Kalama, we handle the import of 25-ton steel coils bound for Steelscape, where they’re processed into roofing and siding materials used across the country.

At the Port of Longview, our work includes exporting scrap metal and importing steel coils, tubing, I-beams, and plate steel. These materials are efficiently transferred to trucks and distributed to support construction and manufacturing industries throughout the region.

With skill, precision, and professionalism, we help ensure the smooth movement of steel products from ship to shore. By connecting producers, manufacturers, and end users, we’re proud to support the global steel industry and contribute to progress in our local communities.

Agriculture

At ILWU Local 21, we proudly bring our expertise to three of the busiest grain export terminals on the Columbia River—Export Grain Terminal (EGT) at the Port of Longview, and both Kalama Export and Temco located at the Port of Kalama. From these facilities, we help move massive volumes of wheat, corn, soybeans, and soymeal to international markets.

These terminals are key links in the global food supply chain. Working with precision and speed, we load over 100 Panamax-class vessels per year—each capable of carrying up to 60,000 metric tons of agricultural products. Our role is to ensure every vessel is loaded safely, efficiently, and to spec.

Each terminal has its unique setup, but our crews adapt quickly and work seamlessly with grain elevator operators, vessel crews, and port staff to keep cargo moving. Whether we’re operating spouts at EGT, managing fast-paced bulk loading at Temco, or supporting high-throughput operations at Kalama Export, we bring skill and experience to every shift.

We’re more than just longshore workers—we’re a critical part of an international system that delivers essential food products across the globe. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and we’re proud to contribute to global food access, one ship at a time.

Involved In Our Community

At ILWU Local 21, we’re proud to give back to the communities where we live and work. Throughout the year, we donate both time and money—often directly from our own paychecks—to support local charities, youth sports, families in need, and other important community efforts.

Whether we’re sponsoring little league teams, organizing clothing drives, supporting food banks, or helping collect toys for the holidays, we do it with a shared goal: to make a real difference in people’s lives. This spirit of generosity and solidarity is a core part of who we are—standing together to support our neighbors and strengthen our community.

Community House Dinner

Every three months, we prepare and serve dinner at The Community House on Broadway—a small but meaningful way we give back to our neighbors. Halloween has become a favorite tradition, as our members show up in costume with candy in hand, bringing extra smiles to the kids and families we serve.

Longshore Golf Tournament

Each year, our Longshore Golf Tournament brings together longshore workers, families, friends, and members of the maritime community for a day of golf, good food, and great company. Proceeds go to local charities like The Community House, Reading Is Fundamental, and other organizations making a positive impact right here at home.

Sports Teams

Each year, we dedicate funds from our members’ paychecks to support local little league and youth sports teams. Donation decisions are made through a membership vote, allowing us to invest directly in the next generation of our community.

Metal Recycling

Our cleanup crews at Local 21 collect and recycle scrap metal left behind from cargo operations—turning what would be waste into funding for local causes. It’s just one more way we give back to the community we’re proud to be part of.

Salvation Army Toy Drive

During the holiday season, we support the Salvation Army toy drive by donating gifts to help brighten the holidays for children in our community. It’s a small gesture that brings big smiles—and reflects the spirit of solidarity we carry year-round.

Sock and Clothing Drives

Each year as school begins, we set up a donation bin in the hall to collect clothes and socks for local kids in need. It’s a simple way we help students in our community start the school year with comfort and confidence.

FAQ

Where does the term "Longshoremen" come from?

The term "longshoremen" comes from the phrase "men along the shore." In the early days of shipping, especially during the age of sail, laborers were hired directly from the docks to load and unload ships. These workers were often called out by criers looking for "men along the shore" to help with cargo—eventually shortened to "longshoremen."

How many people are needed to load or unload a ship?

Loading a vessel requires teamwork. Dock-side crews unload trains and prepare cargo, while ship-side crews operate spouts or cranes for loading. For specialized cargo like logs, steel, or windmills, ground crews and machinery work together. In short — it takes a lot of people to get the job done.

Do longshore workers load or unload ships?

We do both. At the Kalama North Port, we unload (import) steel coils, while at the Weyerhauser log docks, we load (export) logs. All grain vessels at our three grain terminals are loaded for export. Additionally, we handle the unloading (import) of wind turbine components.

What does a workweek look like for a longshore worker?

No, longshore workers don’t have set schedules. They’re dispatched from the Longshore Hall for day or night shifts, with assignments that vary depending on the workload. Jobs can last anywhere from a single day to over a week before they return for their next dispatch.

Is Longshoring Dangerous?

Yes, longshore work can be hazardous. Workers face risks from heavy loads, overhead cargo, cranes, and large moving machinery, often in confined spaces and unpredictable weather conditions. While these dangers can't be eliminated entirely, they are minimized through the use of safety gear, clear communication, regular equipment checks, and proper maintenance.

Do taxpayers Pay the wages of longshore workers at the Port of Longview?

As a general rule, longshore labor for loading or unloading a vessel is billed to the shipping customer, much like how a subcontractor bills a client for construction crews when building a home. However, tasks like maintenance, setup, cleanup, or yard operations are usually covered by port funds.

How much weight can a ship carry?

We handle Handymax and Panamax class vessels, typically carrying 40,000–60,000 metric tons of cargo.

How many different tasks are there in the longshore industry?

Unlike most jobs, longshoremen take on a variety of tasks — often called "jobs" — throughout the month. One week they might operate a payloader in a warehouse, the next drive a dock truck and trailer, and then switch to running a locomotive to move rail cars.

With dozens of cargo operations at our local port and hundreds more across the industry, longshore work demands versatility, skill, and safety awareness to handle a wide range of machinery and responsibilities.

How Can I Get a Job In the Longshore Industry?

Approximately every five years, a neutral third party conducts the longshore lottery, with the entire process video-recorded for transparency.

Being selected in the lottery doesn’t guarantee full-time work. Instead, it begins a part-time casual process that can take 1 to 5 years or longer before potentially reaching Class B status, which is considered closer to full-time employment.

For announcements or results, check local newspapers or visit our website under Resources > PMA > Casual Drawing.
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