Port of L.A Breaks Cargo Volume Records in 1999

The Port of Los Angeles set a new calender-year record on 1999 for tot
al containerized cargo volume, handling 3,828,851 TEUs. The 1999 total
represents a 13.3 % increase of 450,632 TEUs over the previous calend
ar-year record set in 1998.
Total container volume in December 1999 was 334,149 TEUs, reflecting a
20.6% rise over December 1998 and marking an unprecedented eighth con
secutive month that the Port has handled 300,000 or more TEUs.
Larry A. Keller, executive director for the Port, stated, “The Port’
s world-class cargo capability served the international trade communit
y extremely well at a time of large import growth spurred by U.S econo
mic prosperity and revitalized American export business prompted by an
economic resurgence in many Asian countries last year.”
The U.S Commerce Department reported January 13 that total sales in U.
S retail stores rose 1.2% to $259.6 billion in December 1999, followin
g a 1.1% jump in November. Retail sales for the year increased by 8.9%
to nearly $3 million compared to 1998.
Keller added, “ We attribute many key factors for the Port’s resound
ing success in 1999. For example, modern cargo terminals, experienced
terminal operators and a specialized labor force attract and retain bu
siness at the Port from many of the world’s major shipping lines.”
He also noted, “ A modern intermodal cargo delivery network, featurin
g ondock railyards, new infrastructure, and excellent local and transc
ontinental truck and train systems, assures customer service efficienc
y beyond the Port’s waterfront.”
The executive director explained that the Port’s extraordinary succes
s is expected to continue this year, as cargo forecasts point to addit
ional growth in its container business while the Port begins construct
ion of a 484-acre container terminal for MAERSK SEALAND, the largest s
hipping line in the world. When completed in 2003, the new terminal wi
ll be the largest proprietary facility of its kind in the world.