Cargo Slowdown Continues at Port of Los Angeles

Cargo volume remained soft at the Port of Los Angeles in November, with imports falling 24% compared to the same month last year, the port said Wednesday.

An early peak season and a shift to East and Gulf coast ports due to West Coast labor talks contributed to lighter container volumes.

In total, the Port of Los Angeles handled 639,344 TEUs last month, a decrease of 21% compared to the same month last year and a 24% decline compared to the 5-year average for November. November 2022 now ranks slowest month for the port since May 2020.

Last month’s loaded imports reached 307,080 TEUs, down 24% compared November 2021 and the lightest November for imports dating back to 2009.

“Imports into the United States have begun to level off, in addition to cargo that has shifted away from West Coast ports due to protracted labor negotiations,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka during his monthly media briefing. “In the months ahead, we’re going to have to work harder and smarter to earn cargo back. Every ship, every train, every truck needs to be handled with the top-level service our customers expect and deserve.”

Loaded exports came in at 90,116 TEUs, an increase of 9% compared to last November. Empty containers landed at 242,148 TEUs, a 26% year-over-year decline.

Through the first 11 months of 2022, the Port of Los Angeles is now tracking 7% below last year’s all-time record.

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