Record Breaking Volumes for Port of Los Angeles

Fron IFW Freight and Logistics News Service
16 December 2011


The US port of Los Angeles has reported a record year for exports, buoyed by an all-time monthly high for goods shipped overseas in November, the second consecutive month of record export volumes.

LA exported 1.9 million containers in the first nine months of 2011, breaking the previous record of 1.8 million in full-year 2010.

And imports were 6.2% higher in November than in 2010.

The largest US container port said it was on course to export more than 2 million teu this year.

Exports reached the highest monthly volume in the port’s history last month, handling 195,877teu, 15% up on the previous November. And in October, the port handled 193,547teu, up 28% on October 2010.

Goods exported include raw materials, cotton and grains, as well as high-value goods, including computers, medical equipment and aerospace components.

The rise in export volumes from LA has been buoyed by the weak US dollar boosting demand for US goods, particularly in Asia. The stagnant domestic economy also has forced the country to find new income in foreign markets.

Last year, President Obama outlined a National Export Initiative, aiming to double exports through the nation’s seaports by the end of 2014 to boost the ailing domestic jobs market.

The US will focus on India, China, Brazil and other emerging markets with strong potential for growth.

Like the Railroads, but better.

From Professional Mariner
08 December 2011
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- America's barge industry is entering the spotlight in an effort to win more federal dollars, National Public Radio reported. Waterborne infrastructure needs an estimated $8 billion worth of work. The industry said barge transportation is "like railroads but better." One critic argues that private business should pay for the improvements.    For the original NPR broadcast click here.