Southern California Container Ports Cap Off Busy First Half of 2024

Southern California container ports are reporting strong cargo volumes in June, capping off a busy first half of the year driven by a robust U.S. economy.

The Port of Los Angeles processed 827,757 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in June, marking a 10% increase over the previous month and less than 1% compared to last June, which was the Port’s best month last year. Six months into 2024, the Port of Los Angeles is 14% ahead of its performance in the previous year.

“June was a great month at the Port of Los Angeles, capping off a stellar first half of the year,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka at a media briefing. “The last six months have been steady and consistent, both in terms of cargo volume and efficiency of our terminal operations. The U.S. economy continues to be the primary driver of our cargo volume, and I expect that to continue in the months ahead. We have ample capacity to handle more goods as retailers and e-commerce outlets move fall fashion, Halloween, and year-end holiday items through the supply chain.”

June 2024 loaded imports at the Port of Los Angeles landed at 428,753 TEUs, a 1.5% decrease compared to the previous year. However, loaded exports came in at 122,515 TEUs, a 13% increase over last year, marking the 13th consecutive month of year-over-year export gains. The port also processed 276,489 empty containers, a 4.5% decrease from 2023. Overall, the Port of Los Angeles moved 4,731,491 TEUs in the first six months of 2024, a 14% increase over the 2023 mark of 4,137,379 TEUs.

Similarly, the Port of Long Beach achieved its busiest June on record, with dockworkers and terminal operators moving 842,446 TEUs, up 41.1% from June 2023 and surpassing the previous record set in June 2022 by 7,034 TEUs. The growth is attributed to strong consumer spending, potential tariff increases, and ongoing labor contract negotiations at seaports on the East and Gulf coasts.

Imports at the Port of Long Beach jumped 53% to 419,698 TEUs, exports rose 4% to 98,300 TEUs, and empty containers increased 42.1% to 324,448 TEUs.

“We are recapturing market share and consumer spending is driving cargo to our docks as we head into the peak shipping season,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “I see modest growth for the second half of 2024 as we strengthen our competitiveness and continue to invest in our rail infrastructure projects that will maximize cargo velocity efficiently and sustainably for decades to come.”

The Port of Long Beach moved 4,291,626 TEUs during the first half of 2024, up 15% from the same period last year.

“Our waterfront workforce and terminal operators are delivering top-notch customer service by promptly processing a hefty increase in containers during the very busy summer months,” added Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “We are focusing on our efforts to keep cargo flowing smoothly and secure our position as the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, monthly U.S. import cargo volumes continue to rise, with the strongest surge in two years. The National Retail Federation forecasts significant year-over-year increases in TEU volumes for July through November, indicating retailers will be well-stocked for back-to-school and holiday seasons.

“Lulls between supply chain challenges seldom last long, and importers are currently looking at issues including high shipping rates, unresolved port labor negotiations and continuing capacity and congestion issues from the ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy, Jonathan Gold.

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