Cargo growth continues at Port of Long Beach in March

Rising consumer confidence lifted trade moving through the Port of Long Beach in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 654,082 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, an 8.3% increase from March 2023. Imports grew 8.4% to 302,521 TEUs and exports were down 21.3% to 105,099 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port jumped 28.9% to 246,464 TEUs.

“Consumer demand remains strong and continues to drive cargo through this vital gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We will continue to build the infrastructure that will allow us to grow our trade strategically and sustainably.”

“Steady cargo flows lead to steady jobs for our dedicated workforce,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “We will continue our role as the Port of Choice by moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service.”

The Port has moved 2,002,820 TEUs during the first quarter of 2024, up 16.4% from the same period in 2023.

For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.

The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed and efficiency. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2023, industry leaders named it “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the fifth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.