Cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach reached 709,819 total TEUs in December reflecting a 30% increase year over year — it’s highest YoY increase in 2023.
“We have gone through one of the greatest challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic — and we’ve emerged, still the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” CEO Mario Cordero said during a State of the Port Address on Jan. 17.
Loaded imports were up 38% in December compared to the same time last year and empties were up 46%.
The San Pedro Bay is also “laying the tracks” for more on-dock rail capacity in 2023, with executives calling it the “Year of Rail” at the State of the Port Address.
During the event, executives highlighted the ongoing Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which aims to double the size of the existing Pier B rail yard to 171 acres and more than triple the volume of on-dock rail capacity. The expanded rail yard will be able to handle an estimated 4.7 million TEUs annually.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. said in a statement the project would increase the port’s competitiveness while rebuilding, electrifying and decarbonizing operations.
