POLB
POLB on Nov. 14 reported that October was the strongest month in its 113-year history. The Port moved nearly 1 million cargo containers, “driven by brisk demand for holiday goods and delayed containership arrivals caused by a nearby traffic incident and fire that affected some terminal operations at the end of September.” October also marked its fifth consecutive monthly year-over-year cargo increase.
Dockworkers and terminal operators handled 987,191 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) last month, up 30.7% from the same month last year and surpassing by 8% the Port’s previous all-time one-month record set in August 2024. Imports jumped 34.2% to 487,563 TEUs and exports rose 25.3% to 112,845 TEUs, POLB said. Empty containers moving through the Port grew 28.1% to 386,782 TEUs.
The Port hauled 7,904,564 TEUs during the first 10 months of 2024, up 20.2% from the prior-year period.
“We appreciate the hard work of our waterfront workforce and terminal operators as they continue to move cargo at a record-setting pace by moving nearly 1 million TEUs without congestion or backlogs,” POLB CEO Mario Cordero said. “We anticipate a continued influx of cargo due to robust consumer demand, concerns about potential tariffs, and ongoing labor negotiations at ports on the East and Gulf coasts.”
“Our string of recent records demonstrates the strength of our customer service and ongoing collaboration with labor and industry stakeholders,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal said. “Our top priority is to quickly move goods from the docks to doorsteps and store shelves as we head into the busy holiday shopping season.”
GPA
GPA in October handled 494,261 TEUs, up 10% or more than 45,000 TEUs year-over-year, it reported on Nov. 14. It was the third busiest October on record, GPA said, after 2021 and 2022, when more than half a million TEUs crossed the docks at the Port of Savannah.
“Despite the cargo increases this year, many customers continue to divert to the U.S. West Coast while the contract negotiations are ongoing,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch.
GPA reported that its terminal velocity is “exceptional” with containers connecting from vessel to rail in one day. The on terminal Mason Mega Rail facility provides rail service to customers via Norfolk Southern and CSX. Record October trade through the Appalachian Regional Port helped boost GPA’s performance with an October high of 3,666 rail lifts, up 4.4%.
For the first four months of fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024), GPA moved 1.9 million TEUs, up 12.3% or 211,320 TEUs from the same point last year.
In autos and high/heavy machinery, Colonel’s Island handled 68,569 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo in October and 300,647 RoRo units fiscal year-to-date, up 10.6%, GPA said.
In September, GPA handled 450,700 TEUs, up 12% or approximately 48,000 TEUs, compared with the same month last year.
Port of LA
The Port of LA has been awarded two top honors by WTS-LA, an international organization said “dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women.” The Port on Nov. 14 reported being named Employer of the Year for its “significant efforts to advance women within its ranks and in the transportation field overall,” and receiving the “Innovative Transportation Solutions” award in the project category for its recently completed Pier 400 On-Dock Rail Expansion, a multi-year $73 million construction project.
From planning to design to construction, more than 10 women at the Port contributed to the winning project that upgraded and expanded the intermodal rail storage yard near the Port’s container terminal operated by APM Terminals. According to the Port of LA, the work will improve cargo flow, reduce emissions and boost the overall safety of roadways surrounding the port complex. It is also forecasted to eliminate approximately 1,200 truck trips per day on nearby roadways and the region’s highways by 2040, as demand for rail increases.
“Congratulations to the Port of Los Angeles on being awarded the 2024 WTS-LA Employer of the Year and Innovative Transportation Solutions award,” WTS-LA Board President Heather Anderson said. “This outstanding achievement reflects the Port’s unwavering commitment to advancing women in transportation, as well as their dedication to both their employees and to the industry. WTS-LA is grateful for the Port’s long-time support of our chapter and our board, and we join you in celebrating this exceptional recognition.”
“The Port of LA is honored to be recognized for its efforts to advance women, promote their career growth and foster an inclusive work environment,” Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard said. “This commitment to women in leadership and empowerment is evident throughout the entire Port organization.”
“Providing clear pathways for career development and progression has helped ensure that talented women continue to thrive and contribute to their full potential at our Port,” Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “Without their significant contributions, we would not be the organization we are today.”
The Port said it employs “numerous women in high-level management positions across all divisions, including several among its senior leadership team.” Additionally, it noted, women represent 37% of the Port’s professional engineering workforce, nearly double the national norm, and approximately 13% of Port Police officers.
