The nation’s busiest seaport handled 957,599 TEUs, a 113% jump from the same time last year, giving the port its biggest year-over-year increase in a given month, data show.
The port moved 490,115 TEUs in imports last month, a 123% spike from March 2020, while it handled 122,899 TEUs in loaded exports, a 1.5% year-over-year increase. Empty containers, which have been in high demand in Asia, soared 219% from March 2020 with 344,585 TEUs.
“As more Americans get vaccinated, businesses reopen and the economy strengthens, consumers continue to purchase goods at a dizzying pace,” said port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “I applaud our longshore labor force, truckers, terminal operators and supply chain partners who are working day and night to process the additional cargo.
Overall, the port has seen 44% more cargo this year so far when compared to the same time last year.
“Collectively, we have been able to significantly reduce the amount of container vessels awaiting offshore,” said Seroka. “I’m also proud of the steady progress being made to vaccinate waterfront workers at the port’s on-site location and elsewhere.”