The Port of Long Beach’s cargo volume saw 2.1 percent growth in November when compared to the same month last year, but the modest rise was enough to mark the busiest November since 2007, the company said in its press release.
A total of 581,514 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were moved through the Port in November. Imports were recorded at 293,984 TEUs, down 0.9 percent from last year. Exports saw a 14.5 percent decrease to 129,960 TEUs. Empty containers surged to 157,570 TEUs, an increase of 30.2 percent.
Cargo numbers were flat in October and November at the Port of Long Beach. Retailers had the majority of their goods shipped in early autumn to be prepared for the busy holiday shopping season currently underway.
Last year, against which 2014 is being compared, was the third-busiest year in port history with a total of 6.73 million TEUs. Through November, the Port has seen a 1.7 percent increase in cargo.
With an ongoing $4 billion capital improvement program to modernize its facilities, the Port of Long Beach continues to invest in long-term, environmentally sustainable growth.