Business, Freight News, Sea

Port of Long Beach Maintains Cargo Growth

[ April 19, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Rising consumer confidence lifted trade moving through the Port of Long Beach in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 654,082 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, last month, an 8.3 percent increase from March 2023, for figures released April 15. Imports grew 8.4 percent to 302,521 TEUs and exports were down 21.3 percent to 105,099 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port jumped 28.9 percent to 246,464 TEUs.
“Consumer demand remains strong and continues to drive cargo through this vital gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We will continue to build the infrastructure that will allow us to grow our trade strategically and sustainably.”
“Steady cargo flows lead to steady jobs for our dedicated workforce,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “We will continue our role as the Port of Choice by moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service.”
The port has moved 2.01 million TEUs during the first quarter of 2024, up 16.4 percent from the same period in 2023. Outbound first-quarter volumes fell 18.1 percent to 581,636 TEUs.
As a premier U.S. gateway for transpacific trade, the port handles trade valued at US$200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the U.S., including 575,000 in Southern California. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning US$2.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.

Tags: Port of Long Beach