The Port of Long Beach processed 8,788,718 TEUs in the first 11 months of 2024, a 20.2% increase from the same period last year.
Furthermore, buoyed by six consecutive months of record-breaking volumes, the Californian port is on track to handle approximately 9.6 million cargo containers by the close of 2024—surpassing the previous high set during the pandemic in 2021, all without congestion or disruptions.
“Retailers are keeping the shelves stocked and shoppers are able to purchase gifts for the holidays thanks to the outstanding efforts by our dedicated workforce and terminal operators,” commented Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “As we enter the new year, we will continue to deliver extraordinary customer service and build for a sustainable future.”
November was the busiest on record for the US Port, with dockworkers and terminal operators processing 884,154 TEUs, translating to a 20.9% growth compared to November last year and 12.8% higher than the previous record set in November 2020.
Long Beach imports surged by 21.8% to 432,823 TEUs, while exports climbed 9.5% to 119,083 TEUs. Additionally, empty containers passing through the port of Long Beach rose by 24.5% to 332,250 TEUs.
“Imports are being driven by strong consumer demand while retailers continue to move cargo here out of concern for labour negotiations at ports on the East and Gulf coasts,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero.
November marked the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth for the Port.
Mario Cordero noted, “We will continue to handle this influx of cargo smoothly and with zero disruptions through the end of 2024.”
