Port of Long Beach misses August record

The Port of Long Beach has registered its second best August for cargo volumes, falling short of another record-breaking month as consumer spending in the US softens.

The port moved 806,940 TEU of container cargo last month, down just 764 TEU – 0.1 per cent – from August 2021.

During the first eight months of 2022, cargo volumes amounted to 6.6 million TEU up 4 per cent from last year’s pace when the port set its all-time annual record.

The Port of Long Beach has broken monthly cargo records in six out of the last eight months.

Imports were down 5.6 per cent to 384,530 TEU and exports increased 1.6 per cent to 121,408 TEU. Empty containers moved through the port increased by 7.2 per cent to 301,001 TEU.

“We’re making great strides in reducing the number of ships queuing to enter the San Pedro Bay ports complex and quickly moving imports and empty containers out of the terminals,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.

“We are collaborating with stakeholders to provide more information, more space and more flexibility across the supply chain.”

The Port of Los Angeles has also reported a slowdown in cargo operations in August after record-breaking cargo volume in 2021 and the first half of 2022.

“I commend our dockworkers for their continued hard work to keep goods moving through the Port,” added Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman.

“Our reputation as a primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade relies on our ability to ensure the secure and speedy shipment of goods.”

The Long Beach Harbor Commission recently approved the $170 million deepening projects to improve navigation, commerce, and safety along the channel.

The work will allow the port to welcome newer, cleaner, and more efficient cargo vessels.