The Port of Long Beach achieved its busiest month in 115 years of history in September 2026, handling 997,177 TEUs and eclipsing the previous record of 987,191 TEUs set in October 2024.
The result represents a 25% increase compared to September 2025, with zero congestion reported during the record month.
Imports soared 31.3% year-on-year to 509,390 TEUs, exports increased 7.8% to 91,747 TEUs and empty containers rose 22.1% to 396,040 TEUs.
Year-to-date through September, the port has handled 7,675,255 TEUs, up 3.9% compared to the same period last year.
Total Terminals International set a new Port of Long Beach monthly rail record in September, handling 59,410 moves representing nearly half of the terminal’s total container volume.
Port CEO Dr Noel Hacegaba attributed the historic result to shippers leaning on Long Beach as a reliable partner in cost-saving strategies driven by high diesel costs, Panama Canal access restrictions and progress toward a possible new US-China trade deal.
Harbor Commission President Steven Neal credited the dockworkers and terminal operators for delivering the busiest month in the port’s history with speed and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Hacegaba announced an extended gate incentive programme to help maintain cargo flow during the planned 16-month Vincent Thomas Bridge deck replacement project beginning November 7.
Additional evening and Saturday gate hours at Long Beach container terminals will be offered starting in late October, continuing for six weeks excluding Thanksgiving week, in partnership with marine terminal operators, the ILWU and the Harbor Trucking Association to minimise traffic and cargo impacts during the bridge closure.
