Cargo volume bounces back as 'peak season' begins at POLB

Cargo container volumes at the Port  of Long Beach climbed in August, the start of the "peak season" when shipments begin arriving for the end-of-the-year holiday shopping season.

Imports were up 2.9% compared to the same period last year. Port terminals handled 274,977 TEU of loaded inbound cargo last month compared to 267,198 TEU in August 2011. The modest rise in August points to a slight recovery during peak season and the second half of the year.

Exports were also up in August, rising 5.7% to 128,225 TEU compared to 121,277 TEU a year ago.

Overall, container volume through the Port was up 1.4% in August. The total includes imports, exports and empty containers, which declined 4.9%. With imports exceeding exports, empty containers are sent overseas to be refilled with goods. With the gains in exports, fewer containers moved back to Asia in August.

For the calendar year, overall container volumes at the Port are down 4.6% because of the continuing weakness in the economy, and the cutbacks in ship calls by several niche vessel operators at the end of 2011 and early 2012. Imports are down 4.6% and exports down 1.2% through August, compared to the same period a year ago.

The Port of Long Beach continues to invest long term. It is two years into a decade-long, $4.5 billion program to upgrade its facilities. < Korea Shipping Gazette >