Port of Long Beach reported a remarkable start to 2018, as the Port recorded another record for cargo volume for February, after having done the same on January. Namely, the Port of Long Beach handled 661,790 TEUs in February.
The 661,790 TEUs that the Port handled is a 32.8% increase compared to February 2017. It’s the first time Long Beach terminals have handled more than 600,000 TEUs in the month.
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Imports increased as well by 37% last month to 342,247 TEUs. The Port handled 130,916 outbound TEUs, up by 9.3%. The import market is in its uptake now, rising the number of empty containers needed overseas by 46.5% to 188,628 TEUs.
According to the Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero, these volumes show a recent trend of ocean carriers shipping having a stable flow of cargo.
A month like this is now the new normal. We expect a lull in March as East Asian nations celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday, and then a rebound in April. We’re very happy with our busy start to 2018.
New alliances also affect cargo patterns, Board of Harbor Commission President, Lou Anne Bynum said, adding that “the Port of Long Beach is investing $4 billion on infrastructure and leveraging technology to ensure our partners are productive and successful.”
