LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Port of Los Angeles announced today that last month was the busiest March in its history, with a 113% increase in 20-foot equivalent units moved compared to the same month the previous year.
“As more Americans get vaccinated, businesses reopen and the economy strengthens, consumers continue to purchase goods at a dizzying pace,'' Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “I applaud our longshore labor force, truckers, terminal operators and supply chain partners who are working day and night to process the additional cargo.''
The port moved 957,599 20-foot equivalent units in March. The increase was the largest monthly year-over-year increase in the port's history, and the first quarter of 2021 was the port's biggest first quarter, Seroka said.
“Collectively, we have been able to significantly reduce the amount of container vessels awaiting off shore,'' he said. “I'm also proud of the steady progress being made to vaccinate waterfront workers at the port's on-site location and elsewhere.''
The port's March imports increased 123% compared to the same month in 2020, with 490,115 TEUs. Exports increased 1.5% to 122,899, and empty containers surged 219%, according to Seroka.
The Port of Long Beach reported on April 8 that March was its busiest month in its 110-year history and only the third month that the port handled more than 800,000 20-foot equivalent units.
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