Record April in Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach experienced its most active April since its foundation. Handlings amounted to almost 821,000 teu, a rise of 10% compared to the previous record set in April 2021. Imports rose by 9.2% to 401,000 teu, while exports were down 1.8% to 122,000 teu. Empty containers moved through the port increased by 16.9% to almost 300,000 teu.
Port of Long Beach executive director Mario Cordero: “We are preparing for a likely summertime surge as China recovers from an extended shutdown due to Covid-19. Shippers are quickly moving imports and empties from the docks, terminals are staying open longer and we are working to finalise our new supply chain information highway data tracking solution.”
The port is keeping on hold the “container dwell fee” that would charge ocean carriers for containers that remain too long on the docks. The San Pedro Bay ports – Long Beach and Los Angeles combined – have seen a 50% decline in aging cargo on the docks since the programme was announced in October 2021. (sh)