Port of Long Beach Hits 113-Year High in Cargo for August

The Port of Long Beach recorded a historic cargo volume in August, continuing a trend of record-breaking months. In a briefing, port CEO Mario Cordero announced that dockworkers moved 913,873 TEUs, marking a 33.9% increase from August last year and surpassing the previous all-time monthly record set in May 2021. This surge is attributed to heightened shipping activity during the peak season, influenced by cargo diversions, tariff concerns, and disruptions on the East and Gulf Coasts, as well as global events affecting shipping routes. The port is currently operating at 74% capacity and has improved turnaround times for trucks through effective appointment systems and early shifts. Although it is not yet functioning on a full 24/7 schedule, plans for future operations suggest the potential for continuous improvements. Cordero expressed cautious optimism for ongoing cargo arrivals through the holiday season, expecting consumer demand to sustain supply levels in stores. From a transportation perspective, the increased efficiency at the Port of Long Beach, particularly the reduction in truck turnaround times, is a critical development. Understanding the factors impacting shipping volumes helps the industry prepare for fluctuations in demand. The resilience displayed by consumers also highlights the importance of adapting logistics operations to meet changing buying behaviors, especially during peak shopping seasons. This situation underscores the necessity for ports to explore 24/7 operations more extensively to handle future surges and maintain competitive advantages in global trade.