The Port of Los Angeles has renewed its long-term lease with WWL Vehicle Services Americas, Inc. WWL VSA, a subsidiary of global shipping and logistics company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), operates a 91-acre automotive processing terminal.
The 10-year agreement provides for a five-year extension, an option that would allow WWL Vehicle Services Americas to operate the auto terminal through Jan. 1, 2027. The facility processes approximately 200,000 vehicles annually.
The agreement also reflects the Port’s larger commitment to maintain a diversified cargo portfolio that makes the best use of land and water resources and promotes economic growth. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the new lease in November.
The WWL terminal specializes in receiving new cars shipped from overseas and preparing them for distribution and sale throughout the United States. Located at Berths 195-200A, the terminal also exports restored and vintage cars.
Auto terminals are labor-intensive operations that require a sizeable workforce to drive wheeled cargo on and off ships known as “RoRo” or roll-on/roll-off vessels. At the WWL terminal, International Longshore and Warehouse Union workers drive all vehicles on and off the ships.
During peak operations, the terminal employs 250 union workers over three shifts. Nearly 60 percent of workers are local residents of San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson or Long Beach.