Port of Los Angeles Reports Record 10.7 Million TEU Throughput in 2021

The Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s top port for containerized imports, reported record cargo volumes of 10.7 million TEUs in 2021 despite congestion that has hit throughput in recent months.

The record result sets a Western Hemisphere record and breaks the port’s previous calendar year record by 13%, set in 2018.

The annual figure was announced by Port Executive Director Gene Seroka in his address at the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association’s seventh annual “State of the Port” event, held virtually due to the pandemic.

“Decades of development provided the berth space, backland and rail infrastructure to process more cargo than ever before,” Seroka said. “In 2021, our marine terminal operators and workforce gave us the ability to move that cargo — from the ships to railcars or out the gates on trucks — and for that we are forever grateful to them.”

In his address, Seroka reiterated the importance of industry coming together to address challenges of the global supply chain, and highlighted the “unprecedented engagement” with stakeholders from across industry and government to find solutions, including the Biden-Harris Administration and the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Seroka also applauded the “phenomenal results” from excess dwell fee for loaded import containers sitting nine days or more, which has not yet been implemented.

“”Merely announcing the fee reduced the number of those idling containers by more than 60%,” Seroka said.

Seroka also applauded the renewed attention and government investments being made in ports nationwide, including the $17 billion earmarked in the recently passed national Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as the $2.3 billion Newsom has earmarked in his California state budget for the upcoming year.

“This level of funding represents a monumental opportunity for ports,” said Seroka. “Beyond freight system improvements, it will fund much-needed digital and cybersecurity infrastructure. It supports our creation of a future-ready goods movement workforce, and it aligns with our mission to lead the nation in the development of zero-emissions port drayage.”

Seroka also outlined key port initiatives and priorities for 2022, which include initiatives to support supply chain efficiency, workforce development and job creation, cybersecurity, and reducing environmental impacts.

The Port of Los Angeles’ “State of the Port” address comes a day after the Port of Long Beach, it’s neighbor at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, reported moving a record 9.3 million TEU in 2021 amid the “historic, pandemic-induced import surge” that has continued since second half of 2020.

Seroka’s full “State of the Port” address can be watched below: