Rising consumer confidence lifted trade moving through the Port of Long Beach in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 654,082 TEU last month, an 8.3% increase from March 2023. Imports grew 8.4% to 302,521 TEU and exports were down 21.3% to 105,099 TEU. Empty containers moving through the Port jumped 28.9% to 246,464 TEU.
“Consumer demand remains strong and continues to drive cargo through this vital gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We will continue to build the infrastructure that will allow us to grow our trade strategically and sustainably.”
“Steady cargo flows lead to steady jobs for our dedicated workforce,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “We will continue our role as the Port of Choice by moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service.”
The Port has moved 2,002,820 TEU during the first quarter of 2024, up 16.4% from the same period in 2023.
Several terminals at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach shut down on Friday after a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned and caught fire.
The Port of Long Beach broke ground on the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility that is set to more than triple the port’s on-dock rail capacity by 2032.