The Port of Long Beach earned “best seaport in North America” honors at the 2013 Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards recently hosted in Beijing by the Cargonews Asia shipping trade publication.

It’s the 16th win in the past 18 years for Long Beach. The award recognizes the best ports as judged by importers, exporters, and logistics and supply chain professionals.

"We deeply appreciate this recognition, which comes from members of the supply chain industry,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director J. Christopher Lytle. "We will continue to work hard to improve our Port from top to bottom, from terminals, channels and bridges to customer service. We thank our customers, the Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards and Cargonews Asia for this honor.”

The annual Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards, known informally as the “Shippers' Choice” awards, are based on an annual poll of thousands of professionals in freight transportation services. This year’s event was the 27th annual AFSCA awards.

It is a highly regarded distinction in the industry. Awards also are given in many categories, including best shipping lines, container terminals, air cargo terminals, airports and rail haulers.