Introduction to the Port of Los Angeles, USA
The Port of Los Angeles is situated approximately 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles in San Pedro Bay, an area designated for port development in 1897. Since its official opening on December 9, 1907, the port has operated as a department of the City of Los Angeles, overseen by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners. Covering roughly 7,500 acres—4,300 acres of land and 3,200 acres of water—it offers 43 miles of waterfront. The port is next to the Port of Long Beach, and together they form one of the world’s largest port complexes, separated by less than 10 kilometers.
The Port of Los Angeles is among the world’s busiest seaports and serves as a key hub for North American trade. It has been the busiest container port in the United States for 22 consecutive years since 2000. The port handles 74% of the West Coast’s TEU volume and 31% nationally. In 2021, it ranked 17th globally by TEU volume.
The port operates 90 container cranes and has a main channel depth of 53 feet, allowing it to accommodate large cargo vessels. The surrounding region offers nearly 2 billion square feet of industrial, warehouse, and distribution space within an 80-mile radius, supporting strong supply chain operations.
The Port of Los Angeles features advanced intermodal infrastructure, including six intermodal rail terminals connected to the Alameda Corridor, a dedicated 20-mile high-speed freight rail line that links the port to major rail yards in downtown Los Angeles. The port’s 116-mile internal rail network handles over 100 trains per day, facilitating efficient connections to key consumer markets throughout the United States.
Los Angeles Port Terminals
- WBCT-YML Terminal: A public terminal primarily used by Yang Ming Marine Transport (YML) vessels. It also serves ZIM’s ZEX Express Line, featuring dedicated berths and a specialized cargo handling channel for streamlined operations.
- WBCT-COSCO Terminal: This facility, also a public terminal, primarily handles COSCO vessels. It serves HEDE’s fast-transit service and offers dedicated berths along with two exclusive fast-transit gates to enhance turnaround speed.
- Trapac Terminal: A public terminal that mainly accommodates CMA CGM vessels, including the EXX Express Line. This terminal is fully automated, renowned for its high container handling efficiency, and features dedicated container yards and truck-only access lanes.
- YTI Terminal: This terminal is operated by THE Alliance, which comprises carriers such as Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, and HMM. It handles a wide range of alliance services and offers reliable throughput for trans-Pacific trade.
- ETS Terminal: Exclusively operated by Evergreen Marine Corp (EMC), this terminal primarily handles the Yantian HTW Express Line. It features priority berthing, in-house truck chassis, and a no-appointment pickup policy, offering high flexibility and efficiency.
- GGS Terminal: Operated by CMA CGM and part of the Ocean Alliance (OA). While mainly serving CMA vessels, it also accommodates ships from other alliances when needed, making it a flexible option for diverse carriers.
- APMT Terminal: Operated by APM Terminals, this facility is primarily used by the 2M Alliance, comprising Maersk Line (MSK) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). It is a high-capacity terminal with advanced infrastructure supporting large-scale operations.
Los Angeles Port Cargo Volume
As of June 2025, the Port of Los Angeles has demonstrated a steady growth trend in cargo volume. In the first half of the year, the Port of Los Angeles handled approximately 4,955,812 standard containers (TEUs), marking a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. This figure underscores the port’s continued status as the busiest container port in the United States.
Key cargo volume data:
- Total cargo volume for the first half of 2025: 4,955,812 TEUs
- Monthly cargo volume for June 2025: 892,340 TEUs, setting a new record for the port in June.
- Major import commodities: Consumer electronics, retail goods, and automotive parts.
- Major export commodities: Agricultural products, recycled materials, and industrial components.
Despite uncertainties surrounding tariffs and other trade policies, the Port of Los Angeles’s cargo volume continues to show steady growth, reflecting the gradual recovery of global supply chains and stable market demand.
Shipping from China to Los Angeles
We make shipping from China to Los Angeles simple and cost-effective. Here’s how we help your business:
1. Cost-effective
The sea freight services we offer are usually the most cost-effective option, especially for bulk cargo transportation. Compared with air freight, sea freight costs are significantly lower, enabling companies to meet large-scale cargo demands while controlling transportation costs.
2. Flexible shipping options
We offer both sea and air freight, allowing you to select the most suitable shipping method for your specific needs. Whether you need to move urgent, high-value goods or have a large shipment that isn’t time-sensitive, we’ve got you covered.
3. Efficient logistics management
Our logistics system enables you to track your shipments in real-time, so you always know the current location of your cargo. This transparency helps you manage your supply chain with confidence.
4. Professional Customer Service
Our customer service team is here to resolve any issues and provide tailored logistics solutions, ensuring a smooth and worry-free shipping experience.
5. Experienced Team
With years of experience shipping to North America, we handle all customs paperwork and procedures on your behalf. This is especially helpful if you’re new to international shipping.
