Port of Long Beach sets all-time monthly cargo record

The Port of Long Beach set an all-time monthly cargo record in September, processing 997,177 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This represents a 25% increase compared to the same month last year and surpasses the previous record of 987,191 TEUs set in October 2024.

CEO Noel Hacegaba attributed the surge to several factors, including shipping companies seeking to reduce costs due to high diesel prices, access restrictions at the Panama Canal, and the potential for a new U.S.-China trade agreement. Officials noted the record was achieved without terminal congestion.

Specific volume breakdowns for September include 509,390 loaded import TEUs (a 31.3% increase), 91,747 loaded export TEUs (up 7.8%), and 396,040 empty container TEUs (up 22.1%). Additionally, Total Terminals International set a monthly rail record by handling 59,410 rail moves during the period.