The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles Set to Break Cargo Records in 2024

The Port of Long Beach is expected to break its annual cargo record in 2024, projecting a total of 9.6 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) by the end of the year. This would surpass the previous record of 9.3 TEUs set during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

The port’s outstanding performance is evident in its six consecutive months of record-breaking volumes. In November alone, the port processed 884,154 TEUs, a significant 20.9% increase compared to the previous year.

Breaking down the numbers for November, imports saw a 21.8% surge to 432,823 TEUs, while exports grew by 9.5% to 119,083 TEUs. The movement of empty containers also showed substantial growth, increasing by 24.5% to 332,250 TEUs.

Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero attributes this surge to strong consumer demand and strategic decisions by retailers, stating, “Imports are being driven by strong consumer demand while retailers continue to move cargo here out of concern for labor negotiations at ports on the East and Gulf coasts.”

With 8,788,718 TEUs processed through the first eleven months of 2024, representing a remarkable 20.2% increase from the previous year, the Port of Long Beach is poised for a record-breaking year.

On the other hand, the Port of Los Angeles is also on track to surpass 10 million TEUs for only the second time in its history. With 884,315 TEUs processed in November, a 16% increase over the previous year, and a total of 9,375,735 TEUs moved through the first eleven months of 2024, the port is well on pace to achieve this milestone.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka expressed confidence in exceeding 10 million container units, attributing the success to the collective efforts of various partners involved in port operations.

In November 2024, loaded imports at the Port of Los Angeles increased by 19% to 458,165 TEUs, while loaded exports saw an 11% growth to 124,117 TEUs. The port also processed 302,033 empty containers, a 13% increase compared to the previous year.

Both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles are setting new records in 2024, showcasing their resilience, efficiency, and commitment to meeting the demands of global trade.