Port of LA broke annual cargo record

The Port of Los Angeles  moved 9,458,749 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2018, 1.2 percent more than in the port's record-breaking 2017. 

The 2018 count also marked the third consecutive year of record volumes, and is the most cargo moved annually by a Western Hemisphere port, LA port officials said in a press release.

“2018 was marked by a robust economy coupled with tariff-induced surges of cargo headed to U.S. retail and manufacturing  sectors,” said Gene Seroka, the port's executive director.

In December, the port processed 903,258 TEUs, the busiest December in its 111-year history and a 15.9 percent jump compared with the same 2017 period. It was the sixth consecutive month that volumes exceeded 800,000 TEUs.

December imports increased 21.6 percent to 468,906 TEUs and exports decreased 3.2 percent to 147,965 TEUs. Along with an 18.9 percent rise in empty containers, overall December TEUs totaled 903,258, an increase of 15.9 percent year over year.

“These extraordinary volumes highlight the need for continued stakeholder collaboration on methods to maximize supply chain efficiency,” Seroka said. "Through a number of initiatives, we are focused on both physical and digital infrastructure enhancements that continue to ensure the reliable, safe and efficient conveyance of cargo through our gateway."