The Port of Los Angeles saw double-digit increases in cargo volumes across the board last month, resulting in the busiest April in its 104-year history.
The number of loaded inbound containers increased by 16.7 percent, growing from 312,359 20-foot equivalent containers in April 2011 to 364,555 TEUs last month, according to data released by the port May 15. The number of loaded outbound TEUs increased 11.5 percent, from 167,448 TEUs last April to 186,838 TEUs in April 2012.
Combined, total loaded imports and exports for April increased 14.9 percent, rising from 479,808 TEUs in April 2011 to 551,393 TEUs last month. Factoring in empties, which increased 13.3 percent year over year, overall April 2012 volumes – 707,182 TEUs – were up 14.5 percent compared to April 2011’s 617,272 TEUs.
When combined, those figures reflect the busiest April in Port of LA history, surpassing April 2007’s volumes of 679,575 TEUs.
For the calendar year to date, overall container volumes have increased 6.1 percent to 2.58 million TEUs compared to the 2.43 million TEUs shipped during the same period in 2011. Regarding the fiscal year to date, total volume is up 2.3 percent, rising from 6.60 million TEUS for the 10-month period to 6.75 million TEUs. The Port of LA’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.