The Port of Los Angeles has unveiled ‘The Return Signal’, a new data tool designed to assist the trucking community and ease the flow of empty containers across the cargo complex.
The new tool builds on the success of Port Optimizer™ and The Signal, the “Return Signal”. Data will be updated every five minutes and information can be filtered and easily customized to avoid congestion and delay.
Additionally, the Port also processed 980,729 TEU last month, an increase of 27.3% year-on-year (YoY) and making it the busiest October on record.
Propelled by replenishment of inventories and retailers preparing for upcoming holidays, October marked the busiest month in the Port’s 114-year history.
Year to date, overall cargo volumes lag by 5.3% compared to 2019.
“Overall volume has been strong yet the trade imbalance remains a concern,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.
“For every three and a half containers that are imported into Los Angeles from abroad, only one container leaves filled with U.S. exports. One-way trade will not put Americans back to work and it adds logistical challenges to the supply chain.”
Seroka noted at the start of the COVID-19 crisis that significant supply chain swings like the current one would occur and said there could be more ahead.
“With COVID-19 cases on the rise nationwide, the U.S. economic outlook remains uncertain,” Seroka said. “Volume swings like the one we are seeing are an outgrowth of this uncertainty.
“We are using Port Optimizer™ data and the expertise of our supply chain partners to prepare for a range of scenarios to respond to market demands in the months ahead.”
October loaded imports reached 506,613 TEUs compared to October 2019. Loaded exports edged up 2.6% to 143,936 TEUs. Empty containers increased 39.3% compared to October 2019, reaching a record of 330,180 TEUs. The October total of 980,729 TEUs eclipsed the previous record of 961,833 set in August of this year.
