Boosting Cargo and Jobs: Pier 500 Will Strengthen Compton’s Role in Port Logistics
- Compton Chamber Admin
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Posted on October 9, 2025 — by Compton Chamber of Commerce
Pier 500 Marine Container Terminal to Expand Port of Los Angeles Capacity — What It Means for Compton
The Port of Los Angeles has unveiled plans for Pier 500, a new 200-acre stand-alone marine container terminal that will dramatically boost the Port’s cargo-handling capacity, efficiency, and sustainability. The development is designed to meet rising global supply chain demands while supporting clean, next-generation operations.
The Port of Los Angeles is about to grow for the first time in decades. This expansion follows the Port's busiest month on record in July, where it handled over 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year, driven by shippers frontloading cargo due to anticipated tariffs. Port terminals in July were jam-packed with ships loaded with cargo, processed without any delay.
“For the first time in a generation, the Port of Los Angeles plans to build a new container terminal to meet global supply chain demand for decades into the future,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The development of the cleanest terminal possible would enhance our efficiency and sustainability while creating new jobs in our communities.”
Project Overview
Pier 500 will feature: Two new deep-water berths 3,000 linear feet of additional wharf space Infrastructure for ultra-large cargo vessels. The project is expected to take about 10 years from pre-development to operation and will increase cargo efficiency by accommodating larger ships.
Sustainable, zero-emission operations
The terminal will be located south of Pier 400, currently the Port’s largest facility. The proposed site has long been reserved for future expansion, with utilities and infrastructure already in place from earlier Port improvements.
The Port is now seeking proposals from private partners to enter a pre-development agreement that will cover feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and permitting.
The project will undergo full review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with total completion projected in about 10 years.
Economic and Regional Impacts
Once complete, Pier 500 is expected to:
Increase the Port’s cargo throughput significantly
Create thousands of new direct and indirect jobs
Improve vessel turnaround times
Support California’s clean-energy and zero-emission goals
This expansion strengthens the Port of Los Angeles’s position as a global trade leader and reinforces its vital connection to surrounding logistics hubs — including Compton, a key inland distribution center.
How Pier 500 Will Impact Compton’s Goods Movement Network
1. Increased Cargo Flow Through Compton
The new terminal will bring a steady rise in container volume traveling inland via the I-710, I-110, and SR-91 corridors. Compton’s prime location between the ports and major inland markets positions it as a natural staging and distribution hub. Local trucking firms and freight handlers can expect higher freight throughput and more consistent contract activity.
2. Economic Growth and New Business Opportunities
As Pier 500 ramps up operations, demand will rise for cross-docking, warehousing, refrigeration, and last-mile delivery services. Compton’s established industrial zones are well-situated to capture this growth, potentially attracting new investment and expanding local job opportunities.
3. Infrastructure and Traffic Considerations
With increased cargo flow comes the challenge of heavier truck traffic on key freight arteries like Alameda Street, Rosecrans Avenue, and the I-710 corridor. Proactive infrastructure planning and truck route coordination will be essential to balance economic growth with commuter and residential needs.
4. Cleaner, More Sustainable Freight Operations
A major focus of the Pier 500 project is the development of the cleanest marine terminal in Port history, emphasizing electrified yard equipment, on-dock rail efficiency, and zero-emission trucking. Over time, these measures could reduce air pollution in nearby communities, including Compton, where environmental justice remains a key local concern.
5. Long-Term Regional Competitiveness
By expanding the Port’s capacity for next-generation cargo vessels, Pier 500 ensures that Southern California remains globally competitive in international trade. For Compton, this means a stronger economic base, higher logistics employment, and continued relevance as a central link in the West Coast supply chain.
Next Steps: Call for Proposals and Project Timeline
The Port of Los Angeles formally opened a call for proposals from interested parties to participate in the pre-development of Pier 500, located along the Pier 400 Channel. The proposed 200-acre site includes two berths and approximately 3,000 linear feet of new wharf space, positioned at the southern tip of Terminal Island.
According to Port officials, the project will greatly increase the San Pedro Bay Complex’s cargo efficiency and accommodate next-generation vessels. Officials have identified 124 acres of submerged land prepared with infrastructure during the original construction of Pier 400 (completed in 2002) as part of the development footprint for Pier 500.
The entire project is expected to take 10 years, encompassing pre-development, entitlement procurement, and environmental review. Interested applicants must submit environmental assessments required under CEQA and NEPA, as part of the Port’s commitment to sustainable development. Proposals are due to the Port by 3:00 p.m. on January 29, 2026.
For more information and proposal submission details, visit:
Conclusion
The proposed Pier 500 Marine Container Terminal represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the Port of Los Angeles’s modern history. It is expected to reshape the flow of goods through the South Bay region, driving opportunity while reinforcing California’s leadership in sustainable logistics. For Compton businesses, this expansion is not just about port growth — it’s about positioning our community at the heart of a cleaner, smarter, and more connected goods movement future.
