The port of Los Angeles moved more cargo in 2017 than in any time in its 110-year history, thanks to improved supply chain efficiencies.
The port transferred more than 9.3 million teus of cargo, a 5.5% increase over 2016’s record-breaking year, marking the most moved in one year by a Western Hemisphere port.
“Our growth is a direct result of a concerted, multi-year effort by the Port and its many partners to maximize efficiency throughout the supply chain," executive director Gene Seroka said.
"All the collaborative work by a broad range of global maritime stakeholders has delivered these remarkable results,” he added.
Supply chain efficiencies included technology upgrades such as the new Port Optimizer digital information portal developed with GE Transportation.
The unit aggregates key cargo data online to allow for better cargo tracking, projections and productivity, the port said.
Further, infrastructure upgrades to TraPac Container Terminal and Yusen Terminals during 2017 allowed the port to service larger ships and move cargo more efficiently.
The port's best year happened despite lower numbers for December compared to a year earlier.
Imports for the month fell 2.2% to 385,492 teus, while exports slid 7.3% to 152,865 teus.
December containers declined 2.2% to 779,210 teus from the same period last year.
