Sponsored By

The Port of Long Beach enjoys busiest quarter everThe Port of Long Beach enjoys busiest quarter ever

The US West Coast gateway Port of Long Beach racked it busiest September and quarter for container handling.

Marcus Hand, Editor

October 17, 2024

2 Min Read
Aerial view of the Port of Long Beach
Aerial view of the Port of Long BeachCredit: Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach moved 2.63 million teu in the third quarter of 2024 the highest container volume it has ever handled in a single quarter. It surpassed the previous busiest quarterly period – the second quarter of 2022 – by 78,628 teu.

It was also the busiest September for the port handling 829,499 teu some 70 teu higher than the record set in September 2023.

The port credited the record volumes to holiday related goods demand as well as shippers diverting cargo to West Coast ports ahead of industrial action over a new labour contract at East Coast ports. The strike by dockworkers at East Coast only lasted three days from 1 October until tentative agreement was reached on wages. Other issues including automation remain outstanding and subject to further negotiation resulting in continued uncertainty.

Dockworkers at East Coast ports represented by the International Longshoremen's Association have retained the right to strike.

The Port of Long Beach remains upbeat about continued container throughput growth in the fourth quarter.

“We have plenty of room across our terminals as the peak shipping season drives a record amount of cargo through this critical gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We are anticipating continued growth through the rest of the year as retailers stock the shelves for the winter holidays.”

September numbers saw imports up 2% at 416,999 teu, exports down 12.8% at 88,289 teu, and empty containers handled up 1.5% at 324,211 teu.

“Our ability to work with industry and workforce partners allows us to move large volumes of cargo reliably, quickly and sustainably,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “Additionally, we continue to deliver strong customer service to meet the needs of consumers and the national supply chain.”

For the first nine months of 2024 the Port of Long Beach handled 6.92 million teu up 18.8% on the same period in 2023.

Read more about:

Port of Long Beach

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like