California's Port of Long Beach sees cargo reduction and canceled sailings in March

The Port of Long Beach in California says it continued to feel the economic effects of COVID-19 in March in the forms of canceled sailings and a decline of cargo containers shipped through the nation’s second-busiest seaport.

Terminal operators and dockworkers moved 517,663 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, a 6.4 percent decline compared with March 2019, according to the port. Imports declined 5 percent to 234,570 TEUs, while exports increased 10.7 percent to 145,442 TEUs. Empty containers shipped overseas dropped 21 percent to 137,652 TEUs.

Overseas health concerns over the coronavirus caused 19 canceled sailings to the Port of Long Beach during the opening quarter of 2020, which contributed to a 6.9 percent decline in cargo shipments compared with the first three months of 2019, the port reports.

“The coronavirus is delivering a shock to the supply chain that continues to ripple across the national economy,” says Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach. “We’re definitely seeing a reduction in the flow of cargo at San Pedro Bay, but the ports remain open and operating, and we are maintaining business continuity.”

The frequency and intensity of cleaning efforts have been increased on the docks, at port offices and other common areas to maintain the health and safety of dockworkers, truckers, terminal operators and others, according to the Port of Long Beach.

“The health and wellbeing of our entire workforce, our stakeholders and our community remain a top priority as we balance our duty to keep goods moving through this vital link in the national supply chain,” says Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal. “In the face of new challenges, the Port of Long Beach continues to adapt to the needs of our customers and consumers.”

Detailed cargo numbers are available at http://polb.com/statistics.