The Port of Los Angeles last month saw its overall cargo numbers drop by 21% year over year, moving 639,344 TEUs in November, according to new data released by the seaport Dec. 14.
Los Angeles processed 307,080 TEUs in loaded imports in November, falling 24% from the same time last year. The number of empty containers coming through the port also dropped 26% from November 2021 with 242,148 TEUs.
However, the POLA also saw a 9% increase year over year in loaded exports last month with 90,116 TEUs, data show.
So far this year, the port has processed 7% fewer containers overall than it did in the 11 months of 2021, a record year for the port.
“Imports into the United States have begun to level off, in addition to cargo that has shifted away from West Coast ports due to protracted labor negotiations,” Port Executive Director Gene Seroka explained.
“In the months ahead, we’re going to have to work harder and smarter to earn cargo back,” he said. “Every ship, every train, every truck needs to be handled with the top-level service our customers expect and deserve.”