The Port of Los Angeles handled 1,026,872 twenty-foot equivalent units in October, its record month and second-highest monthly total. The California port exceeded 1 million TEUs for a second consecutive month, the first time it has done so, and reached that threshold three times in 2026.
What it means
October included 538,620 loaded import TEUs, up 25% from October 2025 and 30% above the five-year October average. Loaded exports totaled 114,981 TEUs, a 7% decline from October 2025.
The port also moved 373,271 empty TEUs, setting a second straight monthly record as ocean carriers repositioned equipment to Asia for additional shipments. Gene Seroka, the port’s executive director, attributed cargo activity to consumer spending, inventory replenishment, trade-policy changes and disruptions on global shipping routes.
Key facts
- October volume totaled 1,026,872 TEUs.
- The port processed nearly 5 million TEUs from June through October.
- October loaded imports were 538,620 TEUs.
- October loaded exports were 114,981 TEUs.
- October empty-container volume was 373,271 TEUs.
- Through the first 10 months of 2026, the port handled 9,108,497 TEUs.
- Year-to-date volume was 5% above last year and 9% above the five-year average.
Source: Port of Los Angeles cargo volume report