For the first time in its history, the Port of Long Beach handled over 800,000 cargo containers in a single month last month, according to new numbers released by the port.
The 806,603 TEUs processed by the port was 17.2 percent more than October 2019.
From that overall number, 402,408 TEUs were imported last month, a 19.4 percent increase from the same time last year, while 114,679 TEUs were exported, a 12.9 percent decrease.
Meanwhile, empty containers were up 31.8 percent to 289,517 TEUs.
The port is attributing the rise in cargo to retailers getting ready from the holiday season, an increase in e-commerce and higher demand for gardening and pet equipment, as well as musical instruments.
“The peak holiday shipping season is supporting our ongoing recovery and record highs, but we are now facing a new wave of COVID-19 cases spreading across the country and remain locked in a trade dispute with China,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We are optimistic about the gradual economic recovery while bracing for any shocks still to come.”