[131220.EN.SEA] Port of Long Beach November Container Volumes Up 31pc

 

THE Port of Long Beach has reported its busiest November on record as retailers make the final push before the holidays.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 783,523 TEU last month for 30.6 per cent jump compared to November 2019.

The strong volumes could be attributed to imports which jumped a similar 30.5 per cent to 382,677 TEU. Exports were down 5.2 per cent to 117,283 TEU. Empty containers shipped overseas rose an astounding 55 per cent to 283,563 TEU, reflecting the significant trade imbalance and contributing to freight rates that have soared to record highs, reports gCaptain, California.

"Online shopping and PPE purchases are on the rise as consumers continue the stay-at-home lifestyle, but the overall economic outlook is uncertain with another wave of Covid-19 spreading across the country," said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

"We're dealing with the surge in containers by partnering with stakeholders, utilising a temporary storage yard and prioritising dual transaction truck trips that balance inbound and outbound cargo flows."

The Port of Long Beach reported it had 87 container ship calls in November, 17 of which were unscheduled vessels that made up for voyages cancelled earlier this year.

Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach has moved 7,297,430 TEU during the first 11 months of the year, 4.7 per cent up from the same period in 2019.

"We appreciate the strong effort of our dockworkers who are moving an incredible amount of cargo during the second half of 2020 after a slow start for the year," said Long Beach Harbour Commission President Frank Colonna.

"We remain cautiously optimistic and intend to maintain the high level of service that the Port of Long Beach is known for."

Source : HKSG / Photo : Recycling Today.