SIMIC

It was also the first time the port handled more than 700,000 TEU in the month of February, exceeding the previous record set in February 2018 by 109,945 TEU.

Imports jumped 50.3 per cent to 373,756 TEU, while exports declined 4.9 per cent to 119,416 TEU. Empty containers moved through the port climbed 69.6 per cent to 278,563 TEU.

"The supply chain workforce is giving its all to keep the cargo moving, even as their ranks are hit by the pandemic. New records are being set, demonstrating how busy they have been," said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach. "We understand that shippers are awaiting their cargo, and we are collaborating with our industry partners to deliver shipments as quickly as possible."

"Our top priority is vaccinating our essential front-line workers, both for their sake and the sake of the economy," said Long Beach Harbour Commission president Frank Colonna. "We are advocating for the distribution of vaccinations to keep supply chain workers healthy and maintain the flow of cargo."

The San Pedro Bay ports complex is experiencing a historic cargo surge that started in July 2020, according to AJOT.