News
Container volumes at South California ports soared in March thanks to a rebound from slump in January and February due to traffic congestion as labor - management contract negotiations had dragged on.
March containerized cargo volumes at the Port of Los Angeles increased 17.3 percent compared to the same period last year. The port handled a total of 791,863 TEUs, the second-highest month in the port's history. Imports increased 31.5 percent, from 327,497 TEUs in March 2014 to 430,898 TEUs in March 2015. Exports declined 22.5 percent, from 187,826 TEUs in March 2014 to 145,536 TEUs in March 2015. Combined, total loaded imports and exports increased 11.86 percent, from 515,323 TEUs in March 2014 to 576,434 TEUs in March 2015.
The Port of Long Beach saw a 32 percent surge in March box throughput, making it the second-busiest March on record. A total of 630,084 TEUs were moved through the port. Imports were recorded at 317,520 TEUs, a 42.1 percent increase from last year. Exports decreased 17.3 percent to 127,337 TEUs. Empty containers jumped 85.4 percent to 185,227 TEUs. As the months-long congestion eased in March, a great deal of empty containers were waiting to be shipped.
