The Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports posted strong cargo volumes for September and their busiest quarter on record, according to recently released data.
The Port of Los Angeles processed 27% more cargo last month than it did in September 2023, moving a record 954,706 TEUs, according to port data released Oct. 18.
Los Angeles moved 26% more loaded imports last month than it did in September 2023 with 497,803 TEUs and 5% less loaded exports year over year with 114,702 TEUs, according to port data.
The nation’s busiest seaport also wrapped its busiest quarter in port history, handling more than 2.8 million TEUs in the last three months. So far this year, Los Angeles is 18% ahead of its 2023 pace for cargo volumes, data show.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka credited the efforts of longshore workers, truckers, terminal and rail operators and supply chain stakeholders for the port’s record achievements.
The POLA’s adjoining neighbor, the Port of Long Beach, also reported its busiest quarter ever. More than 2.6 million TEUs moved between July 1 and Sept. 30, a result of retailers rushing to ship products for the holiday season ahead of the Oct. 1 East and Gulf coasts labor contract deadline, the port announced Oct. 16.
Long Beach processed 829,499 TEUs last month, 70 TEUs more than September 2023, data show. September’s cargo volumes reflect the fourth straight month of year-over-year growth. Imports were up 2% to 416,999 TEUs, however, exports fell 12.8% to 88,289 TEUs when comparing last month to September 2023.
So far in 2024, Long Beach has moved more than 6.9 million TEUs, 18.8% more cargo than it did in the first nine months of 2023
“We are anticipating continued growth through the rest of the year as retailers stock the shelves for the winter holidays,” Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said.
