Video Interview: Port of Los Angeles closes soft first quarter handling 623,234 containers units in March

Port of Los Angeles handled 1,837,094 TEUs, down 32% compared to 2022, which was the best Q1 in the Port’s history.

“Economic conditions slowed global trade considerably in the first quarter; however, we are beginning to see some signs of improvement, including nine consecutive months of inflation declines,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “While March cargo volume was lower than last year at this time, early data and monthly growth indicate a moderate increase in Q3.”

Seroka announced the first quarter data at a media briefing, where he was joined by Peter Voorhoeve, President of Volvo Trucks North America. Voorhoeve outlined the work being done by Volvo and the Port of Los Angeles to bring zero-emission, heavy-duty trucks to market. Volvo, along with other original equipment manufacturers, are collaborating with the Port with the goal of transitioning the Port’s drayage fleet to zero emissions by 2035.

March 2023 loaded imports reached 319,962 TEUs, down 35% compared to the previous year. Loaded exports came in at 98,276 TEUs, a decline of 12% compared to last year. Empty containers landed at 204,996 TEUs, a 42% year-over-year decline.

The busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere, the Port of Los Angeles is North America’s leading trade gateway and has ranked as the No. 1 container port in the United States for 23 consecutive years. In 2022, the Port facilitated $311 billion in trade and handled a total of 9.9 million container units, the second busiest calendar year in the Port’s 116-year history. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs across the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.