The Port of Los Angeles achieved a record-breaking milestone in July 2024, handling an unprecedented 939,600 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, marking a 37 percent increase compared to the same month in the previous year. This achievement not only represents the best July in the Port’s 116-year history but also stands as the busiest month for the Port in over two years.

As of the first seven months of 2024, the Port of Los Angeles is 18 percent ahead of its 2023 pace, a significant indicator of its growing capacity and efficiency. The surge in cargo volume is attributed to an early influx of year-end holiday goods arriving at the Port, with importers keen to avoid potential delays later in the year. These shipments, including toys, electronics, and clothing, arrived simultaneously with typical back-to-school, fall fashion, and Halloween merchandise, contributing to an early peak season that has bolstered volumes at the Port.

Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, expressed his gratitude to the dedicated workforce involved in moving the cargo with remarkable speed and efficiency. He acknowledged the collective effort of dockworkers, terminal operators, truck drivers, and other stakeholders, all of whom played a crucial role in handling the increased volumes.

Paul Bingham, an economist and data analyst from S&P Global Intelligence, also participated in the Port’s media briefing. Bingham addressed various factors currently influencing the supply chain, such as dockworker negotiations on the East Coast, cargo diversions through the Red Sea, and the potential for additional tariffs.

In July 2024, loaded imports at the Port of Los Angeles reached 501,281 TEUs, representing a 38 percent spike compared to the previous year. Loaded exports were recorded at 114,889 TEUs, marking a 4 percent increase from last year and extending the Port’s streak of 14 consecutive months of year-over-year export gains. Additionally, the Port processed 323,431 empty containers, a significant 54% increase compared to 2023.

Overall, the Port has moved a total of 5,671,091 TEUs in the first seven months of 2024, an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2023, underscoring its position as a vital hub in the global supply chain.

For more information visit www.portoflosangeles.org