Cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach rose 11.3 percent last year to 6,730,573 units " making 2013 the Port's third-busiest year ever behind only 2006 and 2007.

In 2013, imports were up 12.8 percent to 3,455,323 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), exports rose 10.7 percent to 1,704,932 TEUs, and empties were up 8.8 percent to 1,570,318 TEUs. With imports exceeding exports, empty containers are sent overseas to be refilled with goods.

Shipping container volume rose in part because major shipping lines " CMA CGM and Mediterranean Shipping Co. " started to increase their services to Long Beach at the end of 2012.

"Our economy is getting better, and the Port is providing a shot in the arm for Long Beach and all of Southern California, said Al Moro, Acting Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach.

December 2013 saw a slight dip in imports, but overall finished with a 4 percent increase over the same month in 2012. Containers were up to 582,443 TEUs overall. Imports were down 1.4 percent to 291,434 TEUs. Exports were up 9.3 percent to 148,150 TEUs. Empties were up 10.8 percent to 142,859 TEUs.