By Mark Edward Nero
Container volumes at the Port of Long Beach were 16.5 percent higher in April compared to the same month last year, with the port crediting the increase to more ships calling, thanks to new business and changes to vessel deployments.
A total of 558,014 TEUs moved through Long Beach, according to port data released May 8.
Inbound boxes numbered 288,207 TEUs, an increase of 16.5 percent, and the port handled 116,260 loaded outbound units during that period, up 3.1 percent. Empty containers returning overseas to be filled with goods jumped to 153,547 TEUs, 29.3 percent higher.
So far this year, cargo volume at the port is up 5.1 percent from 2016, according to data.
“We continue to be on pace for a strong year,” Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán said. “In April, we were pleased to welcome back Hyundai Merchant Marine as well as a new customer, SM Line. As shipping lines around the world settle into new alliance routes, our many business partners can depend on Long Beach to provide a safe harbor for their goods with our signature efficient and sustainable services.”
The port’s latest monthly cargo figures, and more detailed numbers can be found at www.polb.com/stats.
