Port of Long Beach breaks all-time monthly cargo record in September

The Port of Long Beach achieved its busiest month in its 115-year history by moving nearly 1 million container units in September, a milestone fuelled by the Port’s inclusion in shippers’ cost-saving strategies against high diesel costs, Panama Canal access restrictions and a possible new U.S.-China trade deal.

The Port handled a record-setting 997,177 TEUs last month, eclipsing the previous record of 987,191 TEUs achieved in October 2024, Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba said Thursday during his monthly Supply Chain Insight media briefing. Longshore workers and terminal operators in Long Beach processed 25% more cargo last month than they did in September 2025, with speed, efficiency and zero congestion.

“I am extremely proud of everyone who has played a role in delivering the busiest month the Port of Long Beach has ever experienced, including our dockworkers and terminal operators,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “It is a testament to our ability to move cargo efficiently and safely, providing high value to our customers.”

“Shippers continue to lean on the Port of Long Beach as a reliable partner in their business strategies, leading to our historic month for cargo,” Hacegaba said. “Every milestone brings us closer to achieving our long-term goal of doubling cargo volumes to 20 million TEUs annually by 2050 as we build the Port of the Future™.”

Imports last month soared 31.3% to 509,390 TEUs, exports increased 7.8% to 91,747 TEUs and empty containers rose 22.1% to 396,040 TEUs when compared to the same month in 2025.

Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach has moved 7,675,255 TEUs through September, up 3.9% compared to the same period last year.