Lineage Enhances Import Efficiency with Newly Certified Customs Bonded Warehouse in Seattle
Lineage, Inc. , the world’s largest global temperature-controlled industrial REIT and a leader in supply chain solutions, has taken a major step forward in enhancing international trade operations by announcing that its Seattle – Garfield facility, located at the Port of Seattle, is now officially recognized as a Class 3 Public bonded storage warehouse. This designation signifies that Lineage now operates its first customs bonded cold storage facility in the state of Washington — a strategic development that positions the company to better support the growing needs of global food shippers.
This newly certified bonded space at the Seattle – Garfield facility is among the very few refrigerated warehouses in the Seattle area offering bonded storage services, which are critical for companies managing perishable imports. As a Class 3 Public bonded warehouse, the facility is now authorized to store imported goods under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) until those goods are either cleared for entry into the domestic U.S. market or re-exported.
This regulatory approval is a significant milestone, not just for Lineage but for the broader ecosystem of international food trade moving through the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, as one of the West Coast’s busiest ports, is a key point of entry for temperature-sensitive commodities from global markets. The ability to securely and efficiently store such goods in a bonded, temperature-controlled environment provides a competitive advantage to food importers, exporters, and distributors alike.
“Achieving bonded warehouse status for our Seattle – Garfield facility is a major development that directly reflects our strategic focus on expanding high-value logistics solutions in key markets,” said Brian Beattie, President, North America West at Lineage. “This certification allows us to offer our customers the flexibility and regulatory support they need to thrive in a complex and fast-evolving global trade landscape.”
Located at 2001 W Garfield Street on Pier 90, Lineage’s Seattle – Garfield facility already offers a broad range of logistics services including advanced cold storage capabilities, local drayage, temperature-controlled rail connections, and on-demand trucking. With the addition of bonded warehouse services, the site is now even more capable of managing the full lifecycle of imported perishable products—from initial arrival at port to final delivery or re-export.
The new bonded offering complements existing inspection services on-site, including those provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Together, these services help reduce delays and improve the overall speed and efficiency of import processing, while also enhancing transparency, compliance, and product safety.
By leveraging bonded storage services, importers can defer the payment of duties and taxes until their goods are cleared for domestic sale or re-exported. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous when navigating uncertain market conditions, managing seasonal demand, or mitigating customs clearance delays. Additionally, bonded storage offers a valuable compliance pathway for goods requiring further regulatory review before entering U.S. commerce.
“International logistics today demands more than just physical space—it requires integrated, intelligent solutions that align with global compliance standards,” Beattie continued. “Our new bonded facility allows customers to optimize their supply chain strategies while ensuring the safe handling of products that require strict temperature control, such as seafood, meat, dairy, produce, and other perishable foods.”
The launch of bonded storage at the Seattle – Garfield location is also part of a broader expansion of Lineage’s value-added services across the United States. The company now operates 10 bonded warehouse locations nationwide, along with 42 USDA-approved Import Houses (I-Houses). These I-Houses serve as designated facilities where imported agricultural commodities undergo inspection and treatment prior to entering the U.S. market, thereby streamlining regulatory compliance for global food shippers.
Lineage’s growing network of bonded and I-House facilities is strategically aligned with major U.S. ports and intermodal hubs, ensuring proximity to key trade lanes and enabling faster turnaround times for imported goods. This integrated infrastructure is designed to provide end-to-end visibility and control for customers navigating the complex regulatory and operational landscape of global food logistics.
With trade volumes continuing to grow and supply chains becoming increasingly globalized, demand for bonded cold storage facilities is on the rise. Lineage’s latest investment in the Seattle market reflects its long-term commitment to helping customers stay ahead of evolving trade regulations while maintaining the highest standards of product quality and safety.
As the largest global player in the temperature-controlled logistics sector, Lineage brings unparalleled expertise, technology, and scale to the task of facilitating international commerce. The company’s robust infrastructure, coupled with its compliance-focused services, makes it a critical partner for companies that depend on the timely and secure movement of perishable goods.
For the Seattle region, this development also represents a strengthening of its role as a vital hub in the global cold chain. With the presence of Lineage’s bonded facility at Pier 90, the Port of Seattle now offers expanded options for companies looking to import refrigerated goods through a port that connects directly to key markets in Asia and the Pacific Rim.
In summary, the certification of Lineage’s Seattle – Garfield facility as a customs bonded cold storage warehouse not only enhances the company’s service offerings in Washington state but also contributes to a more efficient, flexible, and secure supply chain for global food imports. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve and consumer demand for fresh, safe, and sustainably transported food increases, Lineage remains at the forefront of innovation in cold chain logistics.
The company’s Seattle milestone signals its continued investment in customer-centric solutions and its leadership in shaping the future of global food trade.