COVID-19 dominated the headlines throughout 2020 as the virus devastated the national economy and dramatically changed the way we live. Despite the many challenges created by this unprecedented pandemic, the Port of Long Beach remained open and operating to keep cargo moving, deliver critical medical supplies to first responders, and assist with the country’s economic recovery.
As the disease made its way to the United States, we saw a massive wave of economic uncertainty and decreased consumer spending as people across the country lost their jobs and followed stay-at-home orders. In fact, the industry, already experiencing uncertainty from the trade war’s impact, moved to radical uncertainty.
The decline in demand for imports led to a rapid rise in canceled sailings at the San Pedro Bay ports complex. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles saw a combined 104 canceled sailings during the first half of 2020, up from 41 in the first half of 2019.
At the Port of Long Beach, despite the trade war and health pandemic, we stayed the course and continued to build. We also created a designated COVID-19 website, donated nearly 300,000 forms of PPE, and established a COVID-19 testing site within the Harbor District.
The Port also created a Business Recovery Task Force to mobilize supply chain partners, prepare for recovery and lay the groundwork for a rebound in cargo.
That preparation helped as our fortunes changed in July, marking our best month ever with 753,081 TEUs. The “best month” record fell a second time in September, when the Port processed 795,580 TEUs. Yet another single-month record was achieved in October, with 806,603 TEUs.
Going forward, our mission will be business recovery and market share growth. This was our focus prior to COVID-19, and it will continue to be our focus as we emerge from this pandemic.