The Port of Los Angeles reported a record volume of 954,706 TEUs in September, marking a 27% increase year-over-year. This surge in volume contributed to an all-time high volume of 2,854,904 million TEUs in the third quarter. Imports totaled 497,803 TEUs in September, up 26% as shippers rushed to bring in holiday merchandise earlier than usual.
The heightened activity at the port was driven by a front-loaded peak season, as retailers tried to navigate various challenges in the global supply chain, including congestion in Asian ports and strikes at East and Gulf Coast ports. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka highlighted the boost in holiday retail sales amid the pandemic, attributing it to consumers seeking a sense of normalcy.
Container volume for the months of July to September saw a 27% increase year-over-year, with an average of 13 container vessels handled per day in September – a 35% jump from the previous year. Year-to-date volume through September was 7,586,395 TEUs, up 18% from the previous year and 5% ahead of the five-year average.
Looking ahead, the port aims to increase container traffic with a truck reservation system in November to maximize its latent truck capacity. However, rail dwell times have been elevated, leading to delays in goods moving through the supply chain. Despite this, the port has been in discussions with railway companies to address the issue.
Loaded exports in the quarter experienced a 5% decline from the previous year, while empty units rose by 45%. Seroka anticipates October volume to be in the mid-800,000-TEU range, surpassing previous years. Uncertainty looms as negotiations continue for a new contract at East Coast ports, but Seroka remains optimistic about the port’s stability and growth prospects in the coming months.
