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TEU Statistics (Container Counts)


Provided statistic breakdowns include annual and monthly container counts (in TEUs1) dating back to 1995. Container counts for years 1980-1994 are provided in calendar year totals only. For more information, contact the Port's Public Relations Division at (310) 732-3508.

The following table lists container counts (TEUs) for the previous month. Statistics for the recorded month are released on or around the 15th day of the following month.

For general port industry statistics, visit the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) website.

May
2009
2008
Change
Percent
Change
Loaded Inbound2 304,109.90 371,026.95 (66,917.05) -18.04%
Loaded Outbound3 152,471.75 164,061.75 (11,590.00) -7.06%
Total Loaded 456,581.65 535,088.70 (78,507.05) -14.67%
Total Empty 118,246.15 151,759.10 (33,512.95) -22.08%
Total 574,827.80 686,847.80 (112,020.00) -16.31%
 
Fiscal Year 20094
(to date) 		6,709,859.55 7,449,080.85 (739,221.30) -9.92%
Calendar Year 2009
(to date) 		2,634,353.50 3,142,199.05 (507,845.55) -16.16%

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

  • May 2009 imports are greater than April 2009 due to lower warehouse inventory levels, showing some signs of improvement
  • May 2009 exports is the highest for the year and greater than April 2009 due to stronger exports of raw materials
  • Higher volumes May 2009 vs. May 2008 from China Shipping (service shift from POLB)
  • Negative volumes from other terminal customers due to smaller vessels in the current deployment , fewer vessel calls in 2009 and vessel deployment modifications due to the weaker economy

ONGOING FACTORS

  • Weak global economy continues to impact global trade
  • Consumer confidence and spending not as strong as early 2008
  • With lower imports, the export of empty containers continues to remain low

1TEUs = Twenty-foot equivalent units, a standardized maritime industry measurement
  used when counting cargo containers of varying lengths.
2Inbound = Imported containers. 
3Outbound = Exported containers.
4Fiscal Year = July 1 through June 30.

2009 Container Statistics

Historical TEU Statistics (by calendar year; includes monthly data)

Click on the desired year to view a statistical breakdown5:

Container Totals by Calendar Year
2009 Partial Count 1994 2.5 million TEUs
2008 7.8 million TEUs 1993 2.3 million TEUs
2007 8.4 million TEUs 1992 2.3 million TEUs
2006 8.5 million TEUs 1991 2.0 million TEUs
2005 7.5 million TEUs 1990 2.1 million TEUs
2004 7.3 million TEUs 1989 2.1 million TEUs
2003 7.1 million TEUs 1988 1.7 million TEUs
2002 6.1 million TEUs 1987 1.6 million TEUs
2001 5.2 million TEUs 1986 1.3 million TEUs
2000 4.9 million TEUs 1985 1.1 million TEUs
1999 3.8 million TEUs 1984 908,000 TEUs
1998 3.4 million TEUs 1983 734,000 TEUs
1997 2.9 million TEUs 1982 606,000 TEUs
1996 2.7 million TEUs 1981 476,000 TEUs
1995 2.5 million TEUs 1980 633,000 TEUs

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5Monthly breakdowns prior to calendar year 1995 are unavailable.