The Port of Los Angeles (Port of LA) saw record-breaking volumes in July driven by an early wave of holiday imports, making the month its busiest since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The port said it handled a "record-breaking" 939,600 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in July, a 37% increase over the previous year.

"It was the best July in the Port's 116-year history and the busiest month in more than two years," North America's busiest port said.

In a statement, Port of LA said that seven months into 2024, it is 18% ahead of its 2023 pace. 

 [Source: Port of Los Angeles]

Early peak season volumes

"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," said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka.

"These goods – think toys, electronics and clothing – are arriving at the same time as more typical back-to-school, fall fashion and Halloween merchandise. An early peak season has helped to boost volumes here in Los Angeles," he added.

For the period, loaded imports landed at 501,281 TEUs, a 38% spike compared to the previous year.

Loaded exports came in at 114,889 TEUs, an increase of 4% compared to last year.

The port said it was the 14th consecutive month of year-over-year export gains in Los Angeles.

For the period, the port processed 323,431 empty containers, a 54% jump compared to the same time in 2023.

Overall, the port moved 5,671,091 TEUs in the first seven months of 2024, an 18% increase over the same period in 2023.