How Big is the Port of Los Angeles: Key Stats

The Port of Los Angeles stands as the largest and most advanced container port in the United States. With its sprawling terminal footprint, deep-water access, and multi-modal infrastructure, it’s more than just a shipping hub—it’s a key artery for the movement of goods across the globe.

But what exactly defines the “size” of the Port of LA? In this breakdown, we take a closer look at the physical scale, operational capacity, and throughput power of the port, and why its size plays such a vital role in international logistics.

 

Geographic Footprint and Location

The Port of Los Angeles occupies roughly 7,500 acres of land and water along San Pedro Bay in Southern California. Stretching over 43 miles of waterfront, the port borders the neighboring Port of Long Beach, creating the busiest port complex in the Western Hemisphere.

Its location gives it a strategic edge—providing direct access to trans-Pacific shipping routes and efficient connections to rail and trucking networks serving the rest of the U.S. inland.

The port’s deep channels and turning basins also allow for ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), ensuring it can accommodate the biggest ships in the world.

 

Terminal Capacity and Berths

One of the key components of the Port’s size is its terminal infrastructure. There are 25 cargo terminals operating within the port, including dedicated container, breakbulk, automobile, and liquid bulk facilities.

Among them are 7 major container terminals, which handle the vast majority of containerized cargo. These terminals are equipped with over 80 ship-to-shore cranes, most of them capable of loading and unloading the largest post-Panamax vessels.

The port also maintains more than 80 berths where vessels dock—each varying in depth, equipment, and capacity depending on its use case. These berths allow for simultaneous processing of dozens of cargo ships during peak activity.

 

Storage and Container Handling Volume

Container handling is where the scale of the Port of LA becomes most visible. In a typical year, the port processes close to 10 million TEUs, which translates to hundreds of thousands of containers each month.

On the ground, that volume requires massive container storage yards, with some terminals managing over 300 acres of operational space. These yards are lined with gantry cranes, rubber-tired stackers, and an ever-moving stream of trucks and rail cars.

Supporting all of this is a network of gate complexes, chassis depots, and dedicated on-dock rail systems that help move containers in and out of the port 24/7.

 

Rail and Trucking Connections

Size isn’t just about square footage—it’s also about connectivity. The Port of LA features extensive rail access via the Alameda Corridor, a 20-mile freight expressway that links the port directly with inland distribution hubs.

Over 35% of the port’s container volume moves via rail, helping reduce road congestion and supporting faster intermodal transitions. The remaining volume travels by truck, with thousands of drayage vehicles entering and exiting the port daily through dedicated gates.

Together, these two modes of transport form the backbone of the port’s inland reach, pushing cargo as far as Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta within just a few days of arrival.

 

Employment and Economic Impact

The size of the Port of Los Angeles extends well beyond its physical infrastructure. It’s a major economic engine, supporting over 500,000 jobs in Southern California alone and contributing billions to the U.S. economy.

From terminal operators and crane mechanics to customs agents and longshore workers, thousands of people are employed directly by port-related activities. Indirectly, the port powers industries ranging from retail and construction to agriculture and automotive.

This economic footprint is a key reason why maintaining and expanding port operations remains a top priority at both state and federal levels.

 

Sustainability Efforts at Scale

With great size comes great responsibility. The Port of LA has launched some of the most ambitious sustainability programs of any port globally. These include:

  • Electrification of terminal equipment

  • Shore power systems to reduce ship emissions

  • Zero-emission drayage vehicle pilots

  • Comprehensive air quality and noise reduction strategies

All of these efforts are part of the port’s Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), which aims to drastically cut emissions while still growing capacity.

 

Final Thoughts

The Port of Los Angeles is massive—not just in acreage or cargo volume, but in economic reach and logistical complexity. With over 7,500 acres of operational space, more than 80 berths, and nearly 10 million containers moved annually, it stands as a centerpiece of modern trade.

Its size isn’t just about scale. It’s about the ability to absorb shocks, adapt to global supply chain trends, and continue growing sustainably. For businesses, logistics providers, and global markets, the Port of LA’s dimensions reflect its value: large enough to lead, and built to last.