In July, the Port of Long Beach in Southern California achieved a monthly record as retailers made significant strides in clearing inventory before the peak shipping season.
The total volume reached 882,376 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 52.6% increase compared to the same month last year and exceeding the previous record set in July 2022 by 12.4%. Imports soared by 60.5% to 435,081 TEUs, while exports rose by 16.3% to 104,834 TEUs. Additionally, the number of empty containers surged by 57.8% to 342,462 TEUs.
Concerns among shippers regarding a potential longshore strike on the East Coast, rerouted vessels in the Mideast, and possible tariff hikes contributed to making July the third-busiest month in the port’s 113-year history.
“We’re well-positioned as we enter the peak shipping season, with consumers gearing up for back-to-school purchases and shippers relocating goods in anticipation of potential tariff increases,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, in a press release. “Our terminals have ample capacity, and cargo continues to flow efficiently and sustainably for trans-Pacific trade.”
Port officials also acknowledged the support of partnerships with labor and industry, which helped maintain the remarkable pace.
Through the first seven months of 2024, Long Beach handled 5,174,002 TEUs, reflecting a 20% increase from the same period last year.
