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Port of Los Angeles moves 808,728 TEUs

[ March 1, 2018   //   ]

The Port of Los Angeles handled 808,728 TEUs in January 2018, the second-busiest January in the port’s history behind last January’s record of 826,640 TEUs. While a slight decrease compared to last January’s record, it’s significantly higher than the port’s most recent 5-year January average of 683,003 TEUs.

“After two consecutive years of record-breaking cargo, it’s encouraging to start 2018 with robust volumes,” said Port of Los Angeles 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.”

Strong January volumes are due in part to retail stores replenishing inventories after the holidays, and cargo ships calling ahead of the Lunar New Year, when goods from Asia slow down considerably.

January 2018 imports increased 1.8 percent to 422,831 TEUs compared to the previous year. Exports decreased 7.6 percent to 150,035 TEUs while empty containers decreased 5.2 percent to 235,861 TEUs. Combined, January overall volumes were 808,728 TEUs, a 2.2 percent decrease compared to last year.

The Port of Los Angeles moved more cargo in 2017 than in any time in the Port’s 110-year history, racking up 9,343,192 TEUs, a 5.5% increase over 2016’s record-breaking year. It’s the most cargo moved annually by a Western Hemisphere port.

“We are powering Los Angeles’ economy to new heights every year, because we know that lasting prosperity means investing boldly in jobs, opportunity, and growth,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The success of our Port tells the story of a city whose moment has arrived — and we will continue pushing forward as we expand our role in the global economy.”

“2017 was a year beyond expectations but it was not by chance,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Our growth is a direct result of a concerted, multi-year effort by the Port and its many partners to maximize efficiency throughout the supply chain. All the collaborative work by a broad range of global maritime stakeholders has delivered these remarkable results.”

Supply chain efficiencies implemented by the Port in 2017 included technology upgrades, like the new “Port Optimizer” digital information portal developed by the Port in collaboration with GE Transportation. The optimizer aggregates key cargo data online to facilitate better cargo tracking, projections and productivity. Infrastructure upgrades like those completed at TraPac Container Terminal and Yusen Terminals, Inc. during 2017 continue to boost the Port’s ability to service increasingly larger ships, as well as to more efficiently facilitate cargo movement throughout its terminals.

“We are extremely proud of the role our workforce has played in achieving this cargo milestone, and in keeping the San Pedro Bay port complex the number one trade gateway in the U.S.,” said Mark Mendoza, President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union 13.

“The cargo volume for 2017 reflects the importance of the Port of Los Angeles, not just to the regional economy but the nation,” said John McLaurin, President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA). “The record volume could not have taken place without the hard work and cooperation of everyone in the supply chain.”

December imports decreased 2.2% to 385,492 TEUs. Exports decreased 7.3% to 152,865 TEUs. Along with a 1.5% rise in empty containers, overall December containers were 779,210 TEUs, an overall decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year.

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