The Port of Long Beach saw its second-busiest September ever last month, moving 748,472 TEUs, according to new numbers released by the port.
This is a 5.9% decrease from September 2020, the record holder for the busiest September in port history.
Last month, the port processed 8.7% less imported cargo than September 2020 with 370,230 TEUs, and handled 1.6% fewer exports with 110,787 TEUs and 3.6% fewer empty containers with 267,456 TEUs.
“We are having capacity issues due to the unprecedented number of containers waiting to move off the terminals, while warehouses have little to no room to accommodate this ongoing spike in cargo moving through our port,” port Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “This is not just about a record number of ships waiting off the coast. We are working with state, federal, local and industry partners to address issues with the entire supply chain that have finally caught up with us.”
The port recently announced plans to transition into a 24/7 operation to help ease cargo congestion, starting with Total Terminals International, which launched a pilot program that would draw more trucks during overnight hours at Pier T.
“This cargo surge is anticipated to last well into 2022,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal said. “so we need to start thinking of new ways to meet the expected growth in goods movement and rising consumer demand.”