The Port of Los Angeles processed 781,434 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in February, a 60% increase over the previous year, marking the 7th consecutive month of year-over-year growth at North America’s busiest port.

February 2024 loaded imports landed at 408,764 TEUs, up 64% compared to the previous year. 

Meanwhile, loaded exports came in at 132,755 TEUs, an increase of 61% compared to last year, and the Port processed 239,916 empty containers, which is up 54% over 2023.

“Market confidence in our gateway is as strong as it’s ever been,” Gene Seroka, executive director at Port of Los Angeles, told a media briefing. “We’ve got the world’s best longshore workforce eager to work with a long-term contract in place. And our current operational data indicates that cargo is flowing efficiently, with additional capacity available.”

Seroka noted that with American consumers still spending and economic indicators positive, the Port of Los Angeles is well-positioned as we move into the second quarter. 

Seroka was joined at the port’s media briefing by Leo Huisman, APM Terminals’ Regional Managing Director, Americas. Huisman oversees 14 container terminals in eight countries across North and South America, including APM Terminals Pacific at the Port of Los Angeles.

Huisman noted how container terminals need to evolve to be successful in the future.

“Our industry has always proven resilient in the face of disruption and change over time,” Huisman said. “For our collective success in the future, terminal and port operators need to be thinking about how best to prepare for improving our infrastructure, increasing sustainability, and upskilling the workforce.” 

Two months into 2024, the Port of Los Angeles has handled a total of 1,637,086 TEUs, a 35% increase over 2023.