FMC’s loss is Port of Long Beach gain

A welcome change is coming to the U.S. West Coast next month as Federal Maritime Commissioner Mario Cordero takes on leadership of the Port of Long Beach.

Cordero is a native son, and former Long Beach Harbor commissioner, unlike his predecessor who was viewed as an interloper with little port management experience. As reported here, Jon Slangerup abruptly called it quits last September after serving little more than two years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He may best be remembered (fairly or not) as the Cassandra who warned of lower throughput volumes due to the Hanjin bankruptcy and other resulting free market pressures that hit Long Beach particularly hard.

In his new position, Cordero will be responsible for daily leadership of the nation’s second busiest container port.  When considered in combination with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, the two complexes are the largest gateway by volume for international commerce entering and leaving the United States.

Cordero eschews the “CEO” title, preferring to be called the more traditional “Executive Director.” His appointment was cheered by shippers and FMC colleagues alike.

Peter Friedmann, executive director of the Agriculture Transportation Coaliton (AgTC) praised the appointment, noting that Cordero is “well known” to his constituency and helped solve the SOLAS VGM fiasco.”

The Port of Long Beach will host the AgTC annual meeting in June again. The city also plays host to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) this fall. 

FMC Acting Chairman Michael Khouri agrees that Cordero is an “excellent choice” to lead the Port of Long Beach as he understands the “criticality of transportation and trade to the strength of national economic competitiveness.”

Cordero served on the FMC with distinction for the past six years, including a stint as its chairman. By all appearances, this new job should be a perfect fit for man and port.