The Port of Long Beach experienced a massive 41% year-over-year increase in June cargo volumes, driven by continued higher consumer demand, potential tariff increases and the ever-looming labor contract expiration date for the East and Gulf Coast ports, according to a July 16 press release.
“We are recapturing market share and consumer spending is driving cargo to our docks as we head into the peak shipping season,” Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said in the release.
Last month was the port’s “busiest June on record,” processing 842,446 total TEUs, according to the press release. The previous high for June came in 2022 when the port processed 835,412 TEUs during the month. Total volumes this past June were also up 21% from the previous month while loaded imports jumped 53% YoY.
“I see modest growth for the second half of 2024 as we strengthen our competitiveness and continue to invest in our rail infrastructure projects that will maximize cargo velocity efficiently and sustainably for decades to come,” Cordero said.
At the end of last year, the port was awarded $283 million to support its rail project enabling cleaner and more efficient cargo movement by on-dock rail to reduce truck traffic. Most recently, the port was awarded nearly $8 million to further enhance the Supply Chain Information Highway, its data-driven platform for increased visibility in cargo movements.
