Port of Los Angeles Experiences Record Cargo Surge
In August 2024, the Port of Los Angeles witnessed its busiest non-pandemic month ever, handling 960,597 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year. This impressive growth places the port 17% ahead of its 2023 pace for the first eight months of the year.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Gene Seroka, credited the surge to steady consumer spending and the replenishment of inventories. “The American consumer continues to spend, and that’s helping to drive our economy,” Seroka said during a media briefing. He added that some of the incoming cargo is being used to replenish inventories even beyond the year-end holiday season.
Seroka expressed gratitude to the workers and terminal operators for their efforts in handling the increased volume safely and efficiently: “It’s been a busy summer at our docks, and I’m grateful to our dedicated waterfront workers and terminal operators.”
Meanwhile, the neighboring Port of Long Beach also saw significant growth in August, handling 913,873 TEUs—a 33.9% increase over last year and breaking the previous record set in May 2021. The growth is attributed to retailers rushing to move goods ahead of potential tariff hikes and ongoing labor negotiations at East and Gulf Coast ports.
Imports at the Port of Long Beach rose by 40.4% to 456,868 TEUs, marking the third consecutive month with loaded imports exceeding 400,000 TEUs. Exports increased by 12% to 104,646 TEUs, while empty containers rose by 33.7% to 352,360 TEUs.
These figures reflect a strong year-to-date performance for the Port of Long Beach, which handled 6,087,875 TEUs in the first eight months of 2024, representing a 21.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
