Potential tariff increases, labor negotiations contribute to peak shipping

The peak shipping season boosted the Port of Long Beach in August to its strongest month in its 113-year history as retailers moved cargo ahead of potential tariff increases and labor negotiations continued at seaports on the East and Gulf coasts.

Dockworkers and terminal operators in Long Beach moved 913,873 twenty-foot equivalent units in August, up 33.9% from the same month last year and surpassing the Port’s previous all-time one-month record set in May 2021 by 6,657 TEUs.

Imports jumped 40.4% from August 2023 to 456,868 TEUs, exports rose 12% to 104,646 TEUs and empty containers moved through the Port increased 33.7% to 352,360 TEUs. In addition to being the Port’s third consecutive monthly year-over-year increase, August also marked only the second time the Port has exceeded 900,000 TEUs in a single month.

“Cargo diversions and concerns about upcoming tariffs are creating a busy peak season for us,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We’re prepared for the uptick in shipments and continued growth through the rest of the year with a dedicated waterfront workforce, modern infrastructure and plenty of capacity across our terminals.”

“The docks are bustling with record-setting activity as we continue to move cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “As the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port of Long Beach is delivering on its promise of outstanding service and facilitating the most efficient movement of goods across the supply chain.”

The Port has moved 6,087,875 TEUs during the first eight months of 2024, up 21.9% from the same period last year.