Last month, the Port of Los Angeles had its busiest February on record, handling 857,764 TEUs, according to data released by the port this week.
Overall cargo volumes for February rose 7.3% from the same time last year, with imports up 2.7% year over year with 424,073 TEUs, according to POLA data.
Meanwhile, loaded exports fell 5.7% year over year to 95,441 TEUs in Los Angeles, where exports have dropped 36 of the last 40 months, according to the port.
Asia’s demand for empty containers remains. Empties grew 18.6% to 338,251 TEUs when compared to February 2021.
“The combined efforts of dockworkers, terminal operators and our waterfront partners have improved fluidity and productivity,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka, adding that the port has been able to show a 16% increase in the number of containers leaving its docks since November.
“We’re taking advantage of the temporary lull in ship arrivals due to the Lunar New Year production slowdown in Asia to prepare for another wave of imports,” he explained. “We expect an increase in those vessel arrivals soon as retailers begin to replenish their low inventories.”
