Cargo surge breaks March, first quarter records at the Port of Los Angeles

Volume reaches 957,599 TEUs; 113% year-over-year jump

The Port of Los Angeles processed 957,599 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in March, a 113% leap compared to March 2020 when global trade slowed to a crawl at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the strongest March in the Port’s 114-year history, its busiest first quarter and by far the largest monthly year-over-year increase.

Year to date, overall cargo volume has increased 44% compared to 2020.

“As more Americans get vaccinated, businesses reopen and the economy strengthens, consumers continue to purchase goods at a dizzying pace,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “I applaud our longshore labor force, truckers, terminal operators and supply chain partners who are working day and night to process the additional cargo.

“Collectively, we have been able to significantly reduce the amount of container vessels awaiting off shore,” added Seroka. “I’m also proud of the steady progress being made to vaccinate waterfront workers at the Port’s on-site location and elsewhere.”

March 2021 loaded imports reached 490,115 TEUs, an increase of 123% compared to the previous year. Loaded exports edged up 1.5% to 122,899 TEUs. Empty containers, heavily in demand in Asia, surged 219% compared to March 2020 reaching 344,585 TEUs.

A total of 95 cargo vessels arrived in March, including four extra loaders.