Port of Los Angeles surpasses one million TEU for second consecutive month

The Port of Los Angeles handled more than one million TEU for the second consecutive month in October 2026, establishing a new monthly record for October and recording the second-highest monthly container volume in its history.

Total throughput reached 1,026,872 TEU, following the port’s all-time monthly record of 1,042,652 TEU in September. The October performance marked the first time Los Angeles had exceeded the one-million-TEU threshold in consecutive months, while also bringing the number of months above that level in 2026 to three.

The port has handled nearly five million TEU between June and October, representing the strongest five-month period in its history. The sustained cargo activity reflects higher import volumes, inventory replenishment and changes in international shipping patterns.

October throughput increased by approximately 21% compared with the same month in 2025, according to the port’s official cargo statistics.

Imports drive record container volumes

Loaded imports reached approximately 538,620 TEU in October, increasing 25% year-on-year and standing 30% above the port’s five-year October average.

Loaded exports moved in the opposite direction, declining 7% from October 2025 to 114,981 TEU. The figures highlight the difference between the continued strength of inbound cargo and weaker outbound container movements.

Empty container throughput reached 373,271 TEU, setting a second consecutive monthly record as shipping lines repositioned equipment to Asia for further cargo shipments.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed the elevated activity to consumer spending, retail inventory replenishment, changes in trade policy and continued challenges affecting other international shipping routes.

“What’s remarkable isn’t just the record volume but our ability to sustain this level of activity month after month,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.

The port’s performance in September and October followed another month above one million TEU in June, when it handled 1,002,734 TEU.

The latest figures reflect a sustained period of high cargo volumes rather than an isolated monthly increase, although growth has been concentrated particularly in imports and empty container movements.

Year-to-date throughput exceeds nine million TEU

During the first ten months of 2026, the Port of Los Angeles processed approximately 9.11 million TEU, an increase of 5% compared with the same period last year.

The cumulative volume was also 9% above the port’s five-year average for the January–October period.

The figures reinforce the position of Los Angeles as the busiest container port in the United States, with the June–October period accounting for nearly five million TEU.

The sustained throughput has come amid changes in international trade policies and disruptions along global shipping routes, which the port identified as contributing factors to cargo activity.

Alongside the October cargo briefing, LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover discussed preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Port of Los Angeles is scheduled to host Olympic sailing events, with planning also involving developments along the LA Waterfront.

The latest monthly results place the port on a stronger year-to-date trajectory, supported by elevated imports and the continued repositioning of empty containers for subsequent shipments.