Empty containers drive growth in Long Beach

The port saw modest container growth in November, with empties making up for declines in loaded boxes.    Container volume at the Port of Long Beach grew 2.1 percent in November compared to the prior year, ending the month at 581,514 TEUs, making it the busiest November since 2007. 
   The growth was the result of a 30.2-percent spike in empty containers handled (157,570), according to the port authority. Imports tailed off by 0.9 percent to 293,984 TEUs from last year, and loaded exports saw a 14.5-percent decrease to 129,960 TEUs. 
   Cargo numbers were flat in October and November at Long Beach in part because retailers pre-shipped goods early for the holiday season to avoid potential disruption associated with the ongoing labor negotiations with West Coast longshoremen. Some shippers have also diverted cargo in recent months, as congestion has worsened at Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles.
   Year-to-date, cargo volume at the Port of Long Beach is up 1.7 percent on the strength of 7.9-percent growth in empties. Imports have only moved the needle 2.4 percent, and exports are down 5.4 percent.