The Port of Long Beach’s bustling docks have recently been a celebration scene. The port announced a 14.4 percent increase in cargo volume in April compared to the same period last year. This marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, a testament to the port’s resilience and strategic efforts in navigating the ever-changing global trade landscape.
In April alone, dockworkers and terminal operators moved a total of 750,424 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), showcasing the port’s vital role in facilitating international trade. Imports played a significant part in this growth, surging by 16.3 percent to 364,665 TEUs, while exports experienced a decline of 19.9 percent to 98,266 TEUs. Notably, the movement of empty containers saw a substantial increase of 30.7 percent, reaching 287,493 TEUs.
The year-to-date figures are also impressive. The port’s total cargo volume for the first four months of 2024 reached 2,753,244 TEUs, marking a 15.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero expressed his enthusiasm for the continued growth in imports, highlighting the port’s collaborative efforts with industry partners to reclaim market share. “We are strengthening our competitiveness with our brand of operational excellence, customer service, and ongoing infrastructure investments that will keep cargo moving efficiently well into the future,” Cordero said in a statement.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication and skill of the port’s workforce and terminal operators. He emphasized their crucial role in achieving this remarkable growth while prioritizing safety and sustainability. He declared in a statement, “Our collaboration with labor and industry makes us the ‘Port of Choice.’”
The Port of Long Beach was officially founded in 1911, but its roots trace back to the late 19th century when the federal government chose San Pedro Bay as the site for harbor development. In 1905, the Los Angeles Dock and Terminal Co. purchased a large plot of land, setting the stage for the inner harbor. The port continued to expand over the years, benefiting from events such as the opening of the Panama Canal and World War II rearmament efforts. It became a significant player in international trade, particularly with the inauguration of China Ocean Shipping Co.’s first port of call in 1981. Today, the Port of Long Beach stands as one of the busiest and most important ports in the United States, contributing significantly to the regional and national economy.
