The Port of Long Beach has achieved its busiest September on record, moving a total of 829,429 TEU.
Port’s representatives said this achievement can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including heightened consumer demand for holiday-related products, a recently ratified labour agreement between dockworkers and management, and ongoing efforts to highlight the port’s business advantages.
Total throughput in September marks an 11.8 per cent increase from the same month in the previous year and surpassed the port’s previous September record set in 2020 by 78,849 TEU.
September represented the port’s first monthly year-over-year cargo increase in 14 months.
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Imports saw a notable rise of 19.3 per cent, reaching 408,926 TEU. Meanwhile, exports experienced a 10.3 per cent decrease, totaling 101,248 TEU.
Empty containers moving through the port also grew by 11.5 per cent, reaching 319,255 TEU.
“Consumer confidence is on the rise, and shippers can rely on the Port of Choice now that we have a ratified contract in place with our waterfront workforce,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero.
“We look forward to a moderate rebound in cargo volume through the end of the year.”
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This is a testament to the positive impact of the recently ratified labour agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
From January to September 2023, the port moved a total of 5.8 million TEU, which reflects a 20.7 per cent decline compared to the same period in the previous year. Nonetheless, this year’s cargo volume closely aligns with pre-pandemic levels.
