Port of Los Angeles sees record throughput in 2018

POLA executive director Gene Seroka said that '2018 was marked by a robust economy coupled with tariff-induced surges of cargo headed to US retail and manufacturing  sectors'.

News ID: 80333

Date: 17 January 2019 - 13:18

America's Port continues to exceed expectations, but improvements are needed in both physical and digital infrastructure to maximize supply chain efficiency.

THE Port of Los Angeles established a new record for annual throughput in 2018, moving more than 9.4m teu during the year, a 1.2% improvement over 2017.

POLA executive director Gene Seroka said that “2018 was marked by a robust economy coupled with tariff-induced surges of cargo headed to US retail and manufacturing  sectors”.

While lauding the new throughput record, Mr Seroka stressed the need for continued stakeholder collaboration on methods to maximize supply chain efficiency.

“Through a number of initiatives, we are focused on both physical and digital infrastructure enhancements that continue to ensure the reliable, safe and efficient conveyance of cargo through our gateway,” Mr Seroka said.

Officials said POLA processed 903,258 teu in December, the busiest December in the gateway’s 111-year history and a 15.9% increase year-on-year. The December total also marked the sixth consecutive month of volumes exceeding 800,000 teu.

More precisely, December imports increased 21.6% to 468,906 teu, while exports decreased 3.2% to 147,965 teu. An 18.9% rise in empty containers added to the December total of 903,258 teu.

John McLaurin, president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, said the record volumes are a reflection of “the dedication and hard work of the port and all of the supply chain partners”.