Cargo at Long Beach Port Down 11 Percent Last Year

Container cargo shipments at the Port of Long Beach declined 11 percent last year—the port's biggest decline in more than 20 years.

Port officials said Thursday that the port handled 6.5 million containers in 2008, with an especially weak December, which reflects the global economic recession.

Port Executive Director Richard Steinke says the port remains fiscally strong and competitive and plans to proceed with construction projects that will improve security and protect the environment.

On Wednesday, the Port of Los Angeles reported a 6 percent drop in 2008 cargo shipments. Together, the ports handle more than 40 percent of the country's imports. Nationwide, container volume has dropped an average 7 percent.