Port of Long Beach Set to Break Record TEUs in 2024
Tia Amin
Table of Contents
The Port of Long Beach, located in California, is set to break its container volume record in 2024, with expectations to surpass 9.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This would mark the highest volume of containers ever handled by the port, surpassing even the record set during the pandemic in 2021. The port’s consistent growth reflects its vital role in U.S. trade and global logistics, as well as its adaptability in responding to challenges in the global shipping market.
Record Growth in November 2024
November 2024 saw the Port of Long Beach achieve its best month ever, handling 884,154 TEUs, an increase of 20.9% compared to the same month in 2023. This performance also surpassed the previous record set in November 2020 by 12.8%. The growth was driven by significant increases in both imports and exports.
- Loaded imports rose 21.8%, totaling 432,823 TEUs.
- Loaded exports increased 9.5%, reaching 119,083 TEUs.
- The number of empty containers handled also saw a surge, with 332,250 TEUs handled, marking a 24.5% increase.
This continued growth marks the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year increases in cargo volume at the port, showcasing the resilience of the Long Beach gateway despite broader economic fluctuations.
Key Factors Driving Growth
Several factors are contributing to the Port of Long Beach’s record-breaking year:
- Strong Consumer Demand
The surge in imports is primarily driven by ongoing strong consumer demand in the U.S. Retailers continue to bring in goods early in anticipation of potential disruptions in the global supply chain. Additionally, concerns about labor negotiations at East and Gulf Coast ports have led many retailers to divert more cargo to the West Coast, where Long Beach remains a reliable option. - No Service Disruptions in 2024
Unlike other major ports across the U.S., the Port of Long Beach has not experienced any significant service disruptions this year. This has allowed for smoother operations, enabling the port to continue processing large volumes of cargo without delays. - Efficient Operations and Infrastructure Investment
The Port of Long Beach has invested heavily in modernizing its infrastructure, ensuring that it can handle the growing volumes of cargo. From improved terminals to upgraded cranes, these investments have increased the port’s efficiency and its ability to accommodate the larger container vessels that are becoming more common in global shipping.
Year-to-Date Volumes and Projections
Through the first 11 months of 2024, the Port of Long Beach has handled 8,788,718 TEUs, which is a 20.2% increase year-over-year. These numbers reflect a strong upward trend, with imports continuing to outpace exports. For the year:
- Loaded imports totaled 4,316,676 TEUs, up 24.4% from the same period in 2023.
- Loaded exports reached 1,106,244 TEUs, down 6.2% year-to-date, highlighting the ongoing challenges in U.S. export activity.
- Empty container volumes increased significantly, with outbound empties up 28.7%, totaling 3,209,206 TEUs.
This year’s continued growth in imports is crucial to the overall U.S. economy, as the port remains a key gateway for goods entering the country.
Impact of Global Economic Conditions
While the Port of Long Beach is experiencing growth, global economic factors also play a role in shaping the port’s future. The global shipping industry has faced challenges in recent years, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries, and fluctuating fuel prices. However, Long Beach’s ability to adapt to these conditions and continue increasing its container volume is a testament to the port’s strong operational capabilities.
The increasing number of empty containers, particularly outbound empties, indicates that many goods imported to the U.S. are not being exported in equal volumes. This imbalance poses challenges for exporters, but it also reflects the dominance of U.S. consumer demand, which drives the volume of imports into the country.
Looking Toward 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead to 2025, the Port of Long Beach is expected to continue its growth trajectory, although potential challenges remain. Labor negotiations, fluctuating international trade policies, and environmental regulations may impact the port’s ability to maintain this growth. However, Long Beach’s strategic location, its investments in infrastructure, and its proven resilience in handling record volumes position it well for continued success in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Port of Long Beach’s record-breaking performance in 2024 highlights the port’s crucial role in U.S. trade. With steady increases in container volumes, particularly imports, Long Beach is poised to maintain its place as a top gateway for global commerce. As the port continues to grow, it will face both opportunities and challenges, but its ability to adapt and invest in infrastructure ensures it remains a key player in the evolving global logistics network.
For more detailed insights into the performance of U.S. ports and the logistics industry, check out Stellar Logistix. We provide in-depth analysis and updates on port operations, trade volumes, and the global supply chain, helping businesses stay ahead in the fast-evolving logistics landscape.
To learn more about the Port of Long Beach’s operations, ongoing infrastructure investments, and its role in U.S. trade, visit Port of Long Beach official site. Stay informed about the latest news, projects, and developments at one of the busiest ports in the