Port of Los Angeles handles record cargo of 9.3 million TEUs in 2017

January 13, 2018: In its history of 110 years, the Port of Los Angeles created a new record in 2017 by handling 9,343,192 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is 5.5 percent increase over 2016's record-breaking year. It's the record cargo moved by a Western Hemisphere port.

On the other hand, December imports decreased 2.2 percent to 385,492 TEUs. Similarly, exports decreased 7.3 percent to 152,865 TEUs. Along with a 1.5 percent rise in empty containers, overall December containers were 779,210 TEUs, an overall decrease of 2.2 percent compared to the previous year.

"We are powering Los Angeles' economy to new heights every year, because we know that lasting prosperity means investing boldly in jobs, opportunity, and growth," said Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles.

"The success of our port tells the story of a city whose moment has arrived%u2014and we will continue pushing forward as we expand our role in the global economy," said Garcetti.

"2017 was a year beyond expectations but it was not by chance," said Gene Seroka, executive director of Port of Los Angeles.

"Our growth is a direct result of a concerted, multi-year effort by the Port and its many partners to maximize efficiency throughout the supply chain. All the collaborative work by a broad range of global maritime stakeholders has delivered these remarkable results," said Seroka.

Supply chain efficiencies implemented by the Port in 2017 includes technology upgrades, such as the new %u2018port optimizer'%u2014a digital information portal developed in collaboration with GE Transportation.

The optimizer aggregates key cargo data online to facilitate better cargo tracking, projections, and productivity. Infrastructure upgrades like those completed at TraPac Container Terminal and Yusen Terminals. during 2017 continue to boost the port's ability to service increasingly larger ships, as well as to more efficiently facilitate cargo movement throughout its terminals.

"We are extremely proud of the role our workforce has played in achieving this cargo milestone, and in keeping the San Pedro Bay port complex the number one trade gateway in the US," said Mark Mendoza, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union 13.

"The cargo volume for 2017 reflects the importance of the Port of Los Angeles, not just to the regional economy but the nation," said John McLaurin, president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA).

"The record volume could not have taken place without the hard work and cooperation of everyone in the supply chain," said McLaurin.