The nation’s second busiest seaport moved 907,216 TEUs in May, shattering the prior best month in March.
Overall cargo jumped 44.4% from the same time last year, with imports soaring 42.3% to 444,736 TEUs and exports steady with a 0.6% increase to 135,345 TEUs when compared to May 2020. Meanwhile, the demand for empty containers continues, with the port handling 80.7% more empties than May 2020 with 327,135 TEUs.
So far, Long Beach has handled 4,029,532 TEUs in 2021, 42.3% more than the first five months of 2020.
“We are seeing a demand for more goods as the country continues to open up and people return to work,” said port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “Even as we continue to set records during this unprecedented moment in our industry, this is still a fragile moment for the economy and we remain optimistic about our country’s continued recovery.”
May also marked 11 straight months of record cargo numbers for the port.
“We are grateful to our waterfront workers and our industry partners for helping us achieve another significant milestone,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “The health and safety of our workforce remains a top priority as we continue to see extraordinary cargo volumes at this vital gateway for trade.”
