Long Beach Cargo Numbers Flat in October

Port of Long Beach reports a modest rise in imports, but congestion tempers gains

Cargo container numbers at the Port of Long Beach rose 1.1 percent overall in October compared to the same month last year, with congestion issues likely nudging some shipments into November. Still, the Port saw its busiest October since 2010, thanks to a rise in imports.

A total of 583,009 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) moved through Long Beach Harbor in October. Imports numbered 310,482 TEUs, up 4.1 percent from October last year. Exports saw a decline of 14.9 percent to 120,445 TEUs. Empty containers increased 11.2 percent to 152,082 TEUs.

The “peak season” of August through October is generally the busiest time of year for the Port, largely due to imports arriving for the holiday shopping season. Congestion issues which have hit all U.S. ports this year have likely pushed some of the peak season shipments into November.

For the first 10 months of the year, Long Beach is up 1.7 percent overall, compared to the same period last year.

Last year was the third-busiest year in port history with a total of 6.73 million TEUs.