Project Number:
08-17

Research Project:

Labor Markets in Goods Movement Occupations in Southern California

P.I. Name & Address:

Kristen Monaco

Department of Economics

1250 Bellflower Blvd.

CSULB

Long Beach, CA 90840

E-mail kmonaco@csulb.edu

Phone (562) 985-5076

Fax (562) 985-5804

Project Objective:

Over the last five years there has been increasing focus on both the negative and positive externalities generated by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. While there is consensus that the ports generate jobs that extend beyond direct employment at the Ports and terminals, there is some controversy over the number of jobs and the earnings potential of those employed in these jobs.

Using data from two nationally-representative microdata sets, we will quantify port-related employment in two categories – direct employment and indirect employment.

These data will allow us to analyze wages, hours, occupations and demographics in each of these two categories and analyze how these variables have changed over time. The key advantage of this analysis is that it does not rely on data reported by employers (used in prior studies) which do not contain detailed information on worker demographics or on self-employed workers.

Not only is our data more detailed and accurate, but it also allows us to analyze the locations of individuals as well as their places of employment, which is especially important in Southern California where many individuals do not work in the same community in which they live.

Task Descriptions:

The tasks and schedule are based upon a project duration of 7 months.

Months 1-2: compile data sets and complete methodology item #1.

Months 3-5: complete methodology items 2 and 3 and begin item 4

Month 6-7: complete item 4 and complete write-up and draft final report. Prepare and circulate manuscript for presentation at Western Economics Association Conference.

Milestones, Dates:

February 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008

Total Budget:
$49,553

Student Involvement:
One Student @ 50% effort, 7 months

Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Related to 06-02. Part of Goods Movement and International Trade focus area.

Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report posted on the website

Potential Benefits of the Project:
This research will increase understanding of employment both directly and indirectly generated by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as the nature of those jobs.

TRB Keywords:
Employment, Labor, Goods Movement, Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach