Port of Long Beach posts busiest month in 115 years at 997,177 TEUs

What happened?

1. Port of Long Beach terminals handled 997,177 TEUs in September 2026, up 25% from September 2025 and the port's highest monthly volume in 115 years, port officials said
2. A total exceeded the port's prior monthly record of 987,191 TEUs, which had been set in October 2024.
3. Imports of loaded cargo increased 31.3% compared with the prior year, reaching 509,390 TEUs; exports climbed 7.8% to 91,747 TEUs; empty container moves grew 22.1% to 396,040 TEUs
4. January–September 2026 volume totaled 7,675,255 TEUs, up 3.9% from the same period of 2025
5. The port reported that in September Total Terminals International achieved a new monthly rail record for Port of Long Beach, logging 59,410 moves—nearly half of the terminal’s overall container throughput.
6. Caltrans plans a 16-month Vincent Thomas Bridge deck-replacement project starting Nov. 7, and Long Beach terminals plan extra evening and Saturday gates for six weeks from late October, excluding Thanksgiving week

Port of Long Beach officials said terminals handled 997,177 TEUs in September 2026, up 25% from September 2025 and above the prior monthly high of 987,191 TEUs set in October 2024. Loaded imports rose 31.3% to 509,390 TEUs and empties rose 22.1% to 396,040 TEUs, while nine-month volume reached 7,675,255 TEUs, up 3.9%. Port CEO Noel Hacegaba said the record month cleared without congestion, and the port announced extra evening and weekend gates before a Caltrans bridge project starting Nov. 7.

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