Port
of Long Beach voted best in the west
By Andy Reyes
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
The city of Long Beach has gained a lot recognition since its incorporation Feb.
10, 1888. Now, more than a century later it can add another accomplishment to
its list. The Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest ports on the West Coast,
was recently named the No. 1 container port in the United States in Marine Digest
and Cargo Business News annual survey of readers.
Marine Digest, a Seattle based publication, rated the Port of Long Beach “Best
Overall” seaport in their January issue.
The magazine, which is a leading publication covering the cargo, seaport and
marine industries in the Pacific Rim, asked respondents in the goods movement
industry to rank seaports, terminals and shipping companies in their fourth annual
Customer Service Platinum Awards Readers’ Poll.
Based on the outcome of the result, the Port of Long Beach earned a total of
five top awards out of a possible 10.
“
We are truly honored to have been selected as best seaport in the Marine Digest
survey,” said Port of Long Beach Director Richard D. Steinke. “This
is a tribute to our dedicated, hard-working employees and customers who work
together in cooperative, collaborative and innovative ways to deal with our constantly
changing challenges.”
In addition to the honor of “Best Overall,” the Port of Long Beach
was ranked highest in “Best Gate/Terminal Operations,”
“
Best
On-dock/Near-dock Operations,” “Most Adept at Problem Resolution,” and “Best
Response to Peak Season Congestion.”
Long Beach is the United State’s second busiest port and is the world’s
12th busiest container cargo port. It is considered a world leader and is a leading
gateway for trade between the United States and Asia.
Port of Long Beach Assistant Director of Communications and Public Information
Officer Art Wong said, “[there is] much activity going on in the port every
day of the week.”
He agrees with the credit Marine Digest has given the Port of Long Beach.
“
It is great to be recognized,” Wong said. “But of course what [Marine
Digest] is really talking about are our private firms here who operate the facilities
and with whom we help to make this the best port possible.”
According to the Port of Long Beach Web site, the port operates as a landlord.
The Board of Harbor Commissioners leases port shipping terminals and other facilities
to private firms or customers. Port revenues are then reinvested into new facilities
and improvements.
“
With the world getting smaller everyday, we all have to depend on each other
to succeed,” Steinke said. “We are fortunate to work with the best,
and I have confidence we will continue to work even smarter and better in the
years ahead to remain Marine
Digest’s best seaport,”
To handle projected cargo growth, the port is planning a $1.9 billion program
to redevelop seven of eight existing container terminals, and to build at least
two new terminals.
Anyone wanting more information can visit www.polb.com for more interesting facts
regarding the Port of Long Beach.
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