In October, the Port of Long Beach experienced the highest cargo throughput in its 113-year history, handling nearly 1 million TEUs, attributed to a surge in demand for holiday goods and the aftermath of a traffic incident and fire that disrupted some terminal operations in late September. The port processed 987,191 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 30.7% increase from the previous year and breaking the port's prior record by 8%, set in August 2024. The detailed figures include a 34.2% rise in imports to 487,563 TEUs, a 25.3% increase in exports to 112,845 TEUs, and a 28.1% growth in empty containers to 386,782 TEUs. This performance signifies the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth at the port.
Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, credited the waterfront workforce and terminal operators for their efficiency in handling the cargo volume without causing congestion or backlogs. He also mentioned the anticipation of continued cargo influx due to strong consumer demand, potential tariff concerns, and ongoing labor negotiations at East and Gulf Coast ports. Bonnie Lowenthal, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, highlighted the importance of customer service and collaboration with labor and industry stakeholders in maintaining the port's performance, especially during the peak holiday shopping season. By the end of October 2024, the port had moved a total of 7,904,564 TEUs, a 20.2% increase from the same period in the previous year.
Source: Port of Long Beach