Port of Long Beach to Process 9MM TEUs Through 2021

Port of Long Beach dockworkers and terminal operators moved more than 8.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through November, and are on track to process more than 9 million TEUs by the end the year.

The Port of Long Beach reported the figures on Dec. 9, noting that its annual record is 8.1 million TEUs, set in 2020.

The Port processed 745,488 TEU last month, a 4.9% drop from the strongest November on record, achieved in 2020. Imports fell 5.3% to 362,394 TEUs, and exports declined 6.4% to 109,821 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port were down 3.6% to 273,274 TEUs.

There are 34 container vessels at anchor waiting to enter the San Pedro Bay ports complex, down from more than 80 last month, due to a new queuing process implemented in November by the Pacific Maritime Association, the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and the Marine Exchange of Southern California, according to the Port of Long Beach.

A “Container Dwell Fee,” which would charge ocean carriers for containers that remain too long on the docks, has not yet taken effect. Announced on Oct. 25, it has been postponed until Dec. 20 amid a 37% decline in aging cargo in San Pedro Bay terminals, according to the Port. The Port of Los Angeles has also adopted and postponed the fee. (Both ports are slated to charge ocean carriers for every container that is scheduled to move by truck and dwells nine days or more, or by rail and dwells three days or more.)

“Clearing the line of ships waiting to enter our port and moving containers off the docks are our top priorities to ensure shelves are stocked and consumers can purchase gifts during the holiday season,” Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “We are seeing notable improvements toward achieving that goal as we continue to help our supply chain partners catch up and ensure goods are delivered as soon as possible.”