By Karen Robes Meeks
Last July, the Port of Long Beach moved more cargo than it ever did in any month in its port history.
The nation’s second busiest seaport moved 720,312 TEUs, beating the previous record set in August 2015, according to the port’s latest numbers. This represents a 13.1 percent jump compare to July 2016.
During the month, Long Beach also handled a record-setting 378,820 TEUs in imports, a 16.3 percent increase, while exports fell 11.7 percent compare to the same period last year, moving only 126,098 containers.
Meanwhile, 215,394 TEUs in empty containers, boxes sent overseas to be refilled with goods pass through the port, a 27.7 percent increase.
“These numbers are great for Long Beach and good news for the economy,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “They are also indicators of the kind of service we provide to our customers as they seek the best and most efficient pathways to get their goods to U.S. markets.”
Up 6.4 percent from 2016 to 2017, Long Beach is seeing steadily rising cargo volumes from a year ago, posting five straight months of increases.
“Given the unprecedented change in the industry, we are pleased to see shippers choosing Long Beach,” said Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum. “We thank our industry partners for having confidence in this port, and we pledge to continue to provide the best service and the best facilities.”
