LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Port of Los Angeles reported today that it processed 883,625 cargo units last month -- an increase of 13.3% compared to 2019 -- marking the port's most productive September in its history.
The production increase also contributed to the port's busiest three-month quarter.
“Despite unresolved questions about our nation's health, economy and export strength, imports have improved significantly after a difficult spring,'' Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “I commend our longshore labor force, Los Angeles marine terminal operators, truckers and supply chain stakeholders who continue to rise to the challenge throughout this pandemic.''
September loaded imports increased 17.3% to 471,795 cargo units compared to the previous year. Loaded exports decreased 0.3% to 130,397 units. Empty containers increased 14% to 281,434 units.
The 883,625 containers in total eclipsed the previous September record of 801,264 set in 2018.
Year to date, cargo has decreased 8.9% compared to 2019, port officials said.
There were 97 cargo vessels that arrived at the port in September, with no canceled sailings.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company's ship “Oliver'' discharged and loaded more than 30,200 cargo units during its visit in September to APM Terminals, the second highest all-time number of containers handled in a single ship visit at the Port of Los Angeles, officials said.
In order to better track and plan for incoming goods, the Port of Los Angeles now provides data from The Signal, a three-week forecast of cargo flow. The information, powered by the Port Optimizer, is updated daily at volumes.portoptimizer.com.
Current and historical port data is available at www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics/container-statistics.
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