Port of Long Beach Breaks Cargo Volume Record Again in August

Container ships sit in berths at the Port of Los Angeles, California October 15, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Another record at the Port of Long Beach as cargo volume once again breaks its all-time cargo volume record for the second month in a row.

The Port of Long Beach reported this week that in the month of August, container throughput at the port reached 703,652 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 22.8% increase compared to last year and the highest one month cargo volume ever in its 104-year history.

The amount beats July’s cargo volume and marks two consecutive months of record-breaking volumes. A total of 1,393,896 TEUs moved through the Port of Long Beach in July and August.

The Port of Long Beach attributes the growth to growing consumer confidence, a strengthening dollar and retailers stocking shelves. Through the first eight months of 2015, Long Beach cargo numbers are growing faster than the overall economy and are up 5.4 percent compared to the first eight months of 2014.

“Our partners once again have expressed their confidence in the Port of Long Beach and we thank them for their business,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup. “We have been working with all our stakeholders and the results are our best month ever.”

Not only did imports climb to 358,262 TEUs, or a 19.1 percent increase over last year, but exports grew 9.4 percent to 138,765 TEUs. Empty containers, meanwhile, rose 42.1 percent with 206,625 TEUs.

The Port of Long Beach is currently investing $4 billion in improvements to prepare for even further growth. In 2016, the Port of Long Beach is expected to overtake neighboring Los Angeles as top container shipping gateway in the country.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up