Ports

Long Beach Posts Record August Traffic Amid Capacity Concerns

The Port of Long Beach handled 919,922 teu in August, marking a monthly record and a 2% year-over-year increase. Through eight months of 2026, the port has moved 6,687,078 teu, up 1.3% from the same period last year. However, Port CEO Noel Hacegaba cautioned that volume gains stem from operational disruptions rather than underlying market strength. Neighboring Port of Los Angeles processed 956,000 teu in August, matching prior-year levels, though the three-month period from June through August totaled over 2.9 million teu—a historic high. Hacegaba expects robust September volumes extending into October and potentially early November, driven by carrier forecasts and Asian port congestion from storm activity. The National Retail Federation recently raised September projections as peak season extends longer than typical. Panama Canal restrictions have diverted additional cargo to West Coast gateways. Despite record throughput, port management flagged capacity constraints and economic headwinds as concerns.