Port of Long Beach set cargo record in July

(Source: Progressive Railroading 08/18/2020)

In July, the Port of Long Beach, California, marked the busiest month in the port’s 109-year history, as terminal operators and dockworkers moved 753,081 container units, topping a record set two years ago.

The previous single-month record of 752,188 20-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) set in June 2018 was surpassed by nearly 900 TEUs, port officials said in a press release.

Cargo volumes were bolstered in July by a surge in online spending, as consumers continued to avoid leaving home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they said. Additionally, the port logged a short-term increase in extra vessel visits to compensate for voyages that were canceled earlier this year.

“It was a good month, a bright spot, in the midst of the devastating effects of the coronavirus on the economy,” said Mario Cordero, the port’s executive director.

Imports climbed 20.3 percent to 376,807 TEUs, while exports grew 24.1 percent to 138,602 TEUs. Empty containers headed back overseas increased 20.8 percent to 237,672 TEUs.

The port has moved 4,186,115 TEUs during the first seven months of 2020, down 2.8 percent during the same period a year ago.

Pacific Harbor Line Inc. provides rail transportation, maintenance and dispatching services to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.