Los Angeles handled 37% more cargo in April than it did the same time a year ago, giving the port nine straight months of year-over-year growth, the data show.
Since the start of 2021, an estimated 3,539,397 TEUs have flowed through the port, 42% more than the same time period in 2020.
“We have set records six of the last nine months, and the other three months were very close to new milestones,” said port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “It’s truly been an unprecedented run here in Los Angeles.”
Seroka attributed the rising trend to fewer vessels going straight to anchor; those that do are seeing less wait time as “our labor force and supply chain partners adeptly handle the steady stream of cargo on our docks,” he said.
“This volume surge has resulted in additional work opportunities for dockworkers, truckers, warehouse employees and others,” Seroka added.
Last month, the port moved 490,127 TEUs in imports, a 32% jump from April 2020, while it handled 114,449 TEUs in loaded exports, a 12% drop from April 2020 and the 27th decrease over the last 30 months, according to the port.
Meanwhile, empty containers continue to be in high demand, with port moving 82% more than the same time last year with 342,391 TEUs.
