The Port of Long Beach recently hosted the 2026 Los Angeles-Long Beach Cargo Security Summit, bringing together law enforcement and supply chain partners to address critical threats like organized crime and cybersecurity, aiming to safeguard the nation's busiest trade gateway. The summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, included representatives from the FBI, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, National Retail Federation, BNSF, and Nike.
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, emphasized the port's commitment, saying, "Maintaining the safest, most secure port complex in the world is a top priority for our gateway because supply chain security is crucial to supply chain efficiency." He added that safeguarding the port is critical for efficient goods movement and strengthening the national economy as they plan to double annual cargo volume by 2050. Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal highlighted the summit's unique opportunity to discuss best practices against "multilayered threats."
A key focus was the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a federal bill co-sponsored by Rep. Andrew Garbarino and Rep. Vince Fong. Garbarino said, "The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act can strengthen coordination and information sharing across federal, state and local law enforcement so we can connect the dots and go after the organized networks behind cargo theft." Fong underscored California's role, stating, "Our farms, factories and retailers depend on a supply chain network that works safely, efficiently and without criminal interference."
The urgency of these discussions is underscored by recent data from Verisk CargoNet, which reported estimated cargo theft losses totaling $304.6 million in the second quarter of 2026, more than double the amount from the same period a year prior. In response, the Port of Long Beach has proactively enhanced its security, including a three-year, $3.5 million investment in cybersecurity culminating in the opening of its Cyber Defense Operations Center in May.
As one of 18 commercial strategic seaports supporting national defense, the Port is actively implementing its "Port of the Future™" vision. Dr. Hacegaba affirmed, "The Port is not just talking about security. We are taking action." This vision includes $3.3 billion in capital investments over the next decade to modernize infrastructure and develop digital systems, aiming to double current container volumes to 20 million units annually by 2050 and become the world's first zero-emissions port.