Port Of Los Angeles Handles 1,042,652 TEUs In Its Busiest Month In 118 Years

The Port of Los Angeles had the busiest month in its 118-year-long operational history. The facility handled 1,042,652 TEUs in September, which is 20,000 units more than the earlier record made in July last year.

In 2026, the port also recorded its busiest quarter ever, from July to September, when it handled around 3 million TEUs. From June to September, it handled 4 million TEUs, the highest volume of cargo handled in a four-month span, the port authorities said.

Growth remained strong since the beginning of the year, with Los Angeles Port handling around 8 million TEUs.1 million TEUs, more than 3% more compared to the same period in 2025.

The Executive Director of the Port, Gene Seroka, said that September was a month for the record books and was extraordinary for the Port in terms of performance.

He also said that the demand remains high and importers are just replenishing their inventories, so more cargo would arrive at the port, as shippers look for alternative routes amidst the ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Shipping companies are avoiding the Suez Canal due to the Houthi threat in the Red Sea, especially the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

The Panama Canal is also handling fewer ships with lower cargo volumes, as one of the strongest El Niño phenomena on record has reduced water levels.

Additionally, the tariffs are comparatively lower this year than in 2025, which is enabling importers to get more clarity about costs to replenish inventories.

Los Angeles is the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, situated in San Pedro Bay, California. It spans 7500 acres and has 43 miles of waterfront area. It has 25 cargo terminals, more than 80 container cranes, and 110 miles of on-dock rail.