The Port of Los Angeles handled 955,907 TEUs in August, completing the busiest three-month period in its history.
More than 2.9 million TEUs moved through the port during June, July and August.
August throughput was roughly in line with the same month last year. However, it stood 6% above the port’s five-year August average.
Loaded imports reached 500,302 TEUs in August. The figure was nearly unchanged from last year and 7% above the five-year August average.
Loaded exports fell 9% year over year to 115,561 TEUs.
The port also handled 340,044 empty containers, representing a 4% increase compared with August 2025.
“We’ve put together an exceptionally strong summer in Los Angeles,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.
Seroka attributed the performance to resilient consumer demand, early holiday shipments and a broad mix of cargo.
During the first eight months of 2026, the Port of Los Angeles handled just over 7 million TEUs.
That was 1.5% higher than the same period last year and 5% above the port’s five-year pace.
Seroka said September is also expected to be a strong month.
During the port’s monthly briefing, he also highlighted the competitive dynamics between US gateways. While trans-Pacific freight rates currently favour East Coast routings, he said faster cargo and rail movements through Los Angeles can improve the overall economics for importers serving inland US markets.
