Port of Los Angeles: Cargo Up 30% in 1Q24

Port of Los Angeles photo.

For first-quarter 2024, ending March 31, local dockworkers moved 2,380,503 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) across Los Angeles marine terminals—nearly 30% more than 2023, the Port of Los Angeles reported April 17. It was among the Port’s best first quarter starts, behind only the pandemic import surge in 2021 and 2022.

In March, the Port of Los Angeles handled 743,417 TEUs, a 19% increase over the previous year. It was the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth at the nation’s busiest port.

According to the Port, March 2024 loaded imports landed at 379,542 TEUs, up 19% compared to the previous year. Loaded exports came in at 144,718 TEUs, an increase of 47% compared to last year. It was the Port’s best export month since January 2020 and marked 10 consecutive months of year-over-year export gains. The Port processed 219,158 empty containers, up 7% over 2023.

“Moving into April and the second quarter, I expect robust cargo flow to continue here,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka at a media briefing. “A strong job market and continued consumer spending, along with our ability to handle additional volume, will help drive cargo to Los Angeles in the coming months.”

Seroka was joined at the Port’s media briefing (full video below) by Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Tech. As Deputy Assistant to President Biden, Neuberger advises on matters related to cybersecurity, digital innovation and emerging technologies.

Among other topics, Neuberger shared insights on President Biden’s recent Executive Order to bolster cybersecurity at U.S. ports.

Current and historical cargo data, including fiscal year-end totals, are available here.