Port of Long Beach recorded its busiest November yet with handled cargo volume reaching 9.6 million cargo containers.

Last month's performance also marks six straight months of historic volumes.

Port of Long Beach noted that the milestone volume was achieved without congestion or other disruption. This also exceeded the previous record set during the pandemic in 2021.

The Port of Long Beach also achieved its busiest November, when dockworkers and terminal operators moved 884,154 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 20.9% from the same month last year and surpassing the previous record set in November 2020 by 12.8%. 

For the period, imports grew 21.8% to 432,823 TEUs and exports rose 9.5% to 119,083 TEUs.

Meanwhile, empty containers moved through the Port increased by 24.5% to 332,250 TEUs. November also marked the Port's sixth consecutive monthly year-over-year cargo increase.

"Imports are being driven by strong consumer demand while retailers continue to move cargo here out of concern for labour negotiations at ports on the East and Gulf coasts," said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero.

"We will continue to handle this influx of cargo smoothly and with zero disruptions through the end of 2024," he added.

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal, noted that retailers are keeping the shelves stocked for the holiday season.

"As we enter the new year, we will continue to deliver extraordinary customer service and build for a sustainable future," Lowenthal said.

The Port has moved 8,788,718 TEUs through the first 11 months of 2024, up 20.2% from the same period last year.