By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Los Angeles kicked off 2018 with strong volumes for January, moving 808,728 TEUs, making it its second-busiest January on record, according to statistics released Wednesday. The busiest January numbers were established in 2017, when the port moved 2.2 percent more cargo.
The port also handled 422,831 TEUs last month, a 1.8 percent jump from the same period last year, while exports fell 7.6 percent to 150,035 TEUs.
Officials attributed the strong volumes to retailers wanting restock inventory post-holidays and the rush to move goods before much of Asia slows down business to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
"After two consecutive years of record-breaking cargo, it’s encouraging to start 2018 with robust volumes,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “It’s only the seventh time we have eclipsed the 800,000 TEU mark in a single month, and we’re grateful to our supply chain partners for their continued confidence in our world-class infrastructure, innovative technology solutions and extraordinary customer service.”
