- 10.3M TEUs in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023.
- Major tech and infrastructure upgrades improved cargo flow.
- Emissions down 24% since 2005, with a push for zero emissions.
- $1B investment in green equipment and clean energy projects.
- Global partnerships advancing maritime decarbonization.
The Port of Los Angeles marked another milestone in 2024, handling 10.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This represents an impressive 1.7 million TEU increase—nearly 20% higher than the previous year—making it the second-best year in the port’s 117-year history. December alone saw a strong finish with 921,617 TEUs, a 24% year-over-year (y/y) increase, according to Freightwaves.
Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed the growth to a robust U.S. economy, efficient labor force, and significant investments from rail partners Union Pacific and BNSF. Despite this near-record performance, the port still operates at 80% capacity, indicating room for further expansion.
Operational Advancements and Logistics Enhancements
Efficiency in cargo movement was bolstered by the Port Optimizer, a data-driven tool launched in 2017 that has continuously improved tracking and logistics. Additionally, the Universal Truck Appointment System, introduced in 2024, has already demonstrated positive results by streamlining scheduling for truckers. The system will soon expand to integrate neighboring terminals in Long Beach, thanks to an $8 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
Seroka emphasized that such improvements not only enhance supply chain fluidity but also create jobs, with four containers moved generating one job. Over the last decade, longshore registrations have increased by 27%.
Infrastructure Expansion and Federal Support
A series of infrastructure upgrades were completed in 2024 to accommodate rising trade volumes. A new on-dock rail project at Pier 400 enhances inland cargo movement, while Fenix Marine Services, a CMA CGM subsidiary, is investing in similar expansions at Pier 300. These initiatives position the port for future cargo growth and increased efficiency.
A significant win for infrastructure funding came with a record $60 million federal allocation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. This long-awaited funding helps maintain crucial waterways and supports ongoing port improvements.
Sustainability and Green Initiatives
Sustainability remains a key priority, with the port successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 24% since 2005, even as container volumes have grown by 15%. The Clean Truck Program has introduced nearly 500 ZE trucks, and a major $412 million EPA grant in 2024 is set to further electrify terminal operations. Additional funding and partnerships will see the deployment of ZE trucks, dockside equipment, and charging stations across the port complex.
The Hydrogen Hub Project, seeking $100 million in funding, saw progress with the launch of the world’s first hydrogen-powered gantry crane and other experimental zero-carbon technologies. International collaborations with ports in China, Singapore, Japan, and Vietnam are also driving the development of Green Shipping Corridors to facilitate zero-carbon vessel operations.
Workforce Training and Industry Collaboration
Workforce training remains a cornerstone of the port’s long-term strategy. The newly opened $16 million Maintenance and Repair Training Center on Terminal Island is retraining ILWU workers, while the Goods Movement Training Facility, a first-of-its-kind center in the U.S., aims to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.
Additionally, partnerships with UCLA and the California Community College system (serving over 2 million students) are helping integrate clean technology and sustainability education into maritime career pathways. These collaborations ensure that students are equipped for careers in environmental stewardship and logistics innovation.
Navigating Global Challenges and Future Outlook
While 2024 was a year of achievement, the port also had to navigate geopolitical risks, including Red Sea shipping disruptions, Panama Canal drought conditions, and labor disputes across North America. Looking ahead, Seroka warned of potential trade constraints as Washington considers new tariffs, but emphasized that industry-wide cooperation remains essential to overcoming these challenges.
With sustainability initiatives, strategic investments, and global collaborations in place, the Port of Los Angeles is on track to maintain its leadership as the busiest and most efficient gateway for U.S. trade.
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Source: FreightWaves
