The Port of Long Beach has announced its container handling figures for November 2021 and has predicted its container throughput in 2021 to surpass 9 million TEU.
In November 2021, the port processed 745,488 TEU, a decline of 4.9% compared to the same period in 2020, which was its strongest November on record.
Imports dropped 5.3% to 362,394 TEU while exports were also on a decline of 6.4% to 109,821 TEU. Empty containers moved through ports were also down 3.6% to 273,274 TEU.
In the first 11 months of 2021, the port has now moved over 8.6 million TEU and has already surpassed the current annual record of 8.1 million TEU set in 2020.
“Clearing the line of ships waiting to enter our port and moving containers off the docks are top priorities to ensure shelves are stocked and consumers can purchase gifts during the holiday season,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director for the Port of Long Beach.
“We are seeing notable improvements toward achieving that goal as we continue to help our supply chain partners catch up and ensure goods are delivered as soon as possible.
Steven Neal, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, added “We appreciate the enormous effort of our dockworkers who continue to move-record breaking amounts of cargo through 2021. We intend to maintain our high level of service by working with stakeholders in the goods movement industry to ensure products are delivered swiftly and safely.”
In other recent news, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles have yet again delayed consideration of the “Container Dwell Fee” that aims to charge ocean carriers for long-dwelling cargo.
Since the fee was announced on 25 October 2021, the twin ports have seen a combined decline of 37% in ageing cargo on the docks. The Executive Directors of both ports are expected to reassess fee implementation after another week of monitoring data.
The fee will now not be considered before 13 December 2021.
