Dockworkers offloaded 249,534 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from vessels in March. Shipments to overseas markets continue to face challenges due to the strong dollar, as exports decreased 5.3 percent, to 120,435 TEUs. Empties numbered 135,413 containers, up 4.2 percent. In total, the Port of Long Beach moved 505,382 TEUs last month — an 8.7 percent increase.

The Port of Long Beach had a modest boost in cargo during the first quarter of the year, with overall throughput increasing 1.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago. All segments of containerized cargo grew year-over-year in the opening quarter of 2017, as imports climbed 2.1 percent, exports 0.4 percent and empties 1.5 percent.

“We’re happy to see these gains during the traditionally slow period of the year,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán. “We see a lot of upside for the remainder of 2017 as we expand our partnership with the world’s second-largest line, Mediterranean Shipping Co., add new business and strengthen our relationships with our partners.”

“The rise in imports coming through Long Beach shows that consumers are feeling optimistic,” said Port of Long Beach Interim Chief Executive Duane Kenagy. “Since their spending drives more than two-thirds of the economy, this is a great indicator for the jobs that depend on our Port as we head into the busiest trading months of the year.”

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans¬-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $180 billion in trade annually, supporting hundreds of thousands of Southern California jobs.

From the start of April, from the Broekman Logistics warehouse at the Maasvlakte – Rotterdam the distribution will be carried out. The collaboration entails moving the logistics process from Maastricht Airport to Rotterdam.

“We are immensely proud of our partnership with a major global player like BYD. We are certain that this is the start of a long and successful relationship that will guarantee growth for both companies in the years to come”, says Willem Jan van Amersfoort, Broekman’s Managing Director, Warehousing & Distribution.

Value-added activities
BYD’s range of products currently includes ebuses and taxis as well as electric forklifts together with the spare parts to support them. Broekman Logistics will perform various value-added activities on the forklift trucks before the products are distributed to end users.

“BYD will needs to ensure that it always exceeds the expectations of our customers and end users. In Broekman Logistics we have found a good logistics partner to optimise the total supply chain and give us a competitive advantage in Europe,” says Javier Contijoch, Director of BYD Forklift Europe.

The port recorded 7.49 million metric tonnes in 2016, nearly eight percent more than the 2015 record of 6.95 million metric tonnes.

“In nine years at the Port of Vancouver, I’ve never seen tonnage like this,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “It’s a testament to the investments we and our partners have made to provide world-class rail and marine services, access to efficient transportation and excellent customer service.”

2016 was great year for exports, which climbed to 6.32 million metric tonnes from 5.54 million metric tonnes in 2015 – a 14 percent increase overall. Grain continues to be the largest exports at the Port of Vancouver by volume, and in 2016 these cargoes increased 17.8 percent over 2015.

Some imports, such as wind energy components increased in 2016, but overall imports were down 17 percent in 2016.

Despite impressive gains in overall tonnage, fluctuations in currency and the global economy had an impact on the port in 2016, contributing to a slight decline in operating revenue, which decreased from $38.2 million to $35.9 million.

Leveraging revenue, federal and state grant funds and tax dollars, the port continues to invest in critical infrastructure and assets, including rail, equipment, buildings, dock improvements and skilled staff.

“These are the types of improvements that attract businesses to the port and help create jobs for the residents of Southwest Washington,” said Marler. “We continue to find cost-effective ways to invest in your public port, planning for the future and working with our customers and partners to make sure those jobs and economic benefit are here for the long-term.”

The Port of Vancouver USA has logged record tonnage for the past three years, and 2017 is shaping up to be another good year. Cargoes like autos, steel, minerals, wind energy components and grain continue to bring in solid numbers, making the future look bright for the port and our community.