Around 1200, stone-faced, clay-filled jetties began to project into the river in Newcastle, an indication that trade was increasing.

The principal exports at this time were wool, timber, coal, millstones, dairy produce, fish, salt, and hides.

The TIC deepened the river to 9.83 metres, and built the North and South Piers, and the Northumberland, Tyne and Albert Edward Docks.

Since then, with the decline in the coal industry, the port has switched to the export of cars manufactured in the northeast of England.

Its officers were sworn as special constables under the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 and had full police powers on TIC property.

The force was disbanded on 1 September 1949, although its members remained in the Commission's employment as Watchmen in the Traffic and Engineering Department.