Record-Breaking July at Port of Los Angeles as Cargo Volumes Surge by 37%

The Port of Los Angeles achieved a record-breaking milestone in July 2024, handling an impressive 939,600 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), marking a 37% increase over the same period last year. This achievement sets a new record for the busiest July in the port’s 116-year history and is the highest monthly cargo volume in over two years.

The port’s strong performance is attributed to an early peak season, driven by the arrival of year-end holiday goods, back-to-school items, and fall fashion merchandise. “We’ve seen an influx of year-end holiday goods coming across our docks a bit earlier than usual to avoid any risk of delay later in the year,” explained Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. This surge has propelled the port 18% ahead of its 2023 pace, with a total of 5,671,091 TEUs moved in the first seven months of 2024.

During a media briefing, Seroka praised the dedication of dockworkers, terminal operators, truck drivers, and other stakeholders who contributed to this success. S&P Global Intelligence economist Paul Bingham also provided insights into the broader supply chain landscape, discussing factors such as East Coast dockworker negotiations, Red Sea cargo diversions, and potential tariff impacts.

The port’s July 2024 loaded imports reached 501,281 TEUs, a 38% increase from the previous year, while loaded exports rose by 4% to 114,889 TEUs. Empty containers processed also saw a significant 54% jump compared to 2023, further contributing to the port’s outstanding performance.

The Port of Los Angeles continues to set new benchmarks in cargo handling, reflecting its critical role in the global supply chain.