The Port of Long Beach handled more cargo than any other seaport in North America in March and through the first quarter of 2026.

Dockworkers and terminal operators processed 774,935 TEUs in March, a 5.2% decline from the same month in 2025, which marked a record year for the port.

Imports dipped 1.6% to 374,412 TEUs, while exports inched up 0.5% to 104,554 TEUs. Empty containers fell 11.1% to 295,970 TEUs.

Despite the year‑over‑year dip, Port of Long Beach still moved the highest volume of any port in the nation during the month, CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba said during a media briefing.

Through the first quarter, the port handled 2,390,225 TEUs — more than any other U.S. seaport — though volumes were 5.7% lower than the same period in 2025.

"Thanks to the efforts of our ILWU workforce and terminal operators, the Port of Long Beach led the nation as the busiest container port for the month of March," Hacegaba told reporters.

"While not our strongest month on record, we handled nearly 775,000 TEUs, making us the busiest gateway in North America."

Hacegaba noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East — including disruptions to vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — have not yet affected cargo flows in the Port of Long Beach.

"Despite these global pressures, the conflict has not yet reduced cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach," he said. "What we're seeing instead is the impact of tariffs and timing and the comparison to a strong baseline the year before."

Still, he cautioned that the conflict is creating broader uncertainty for global supply chains.

"When ships are being rerouted to avoid conflict zones, it sets off a chain reaction," Hacegaba said.

"Cargo has to move differently. Routes get longer. Costs go up. And ultimately, consumers pay more."

Rising fuel costs are already prompting carriers and logistics providers to introduce new surcharges and cost‑saving measures, he added.

"Here's the bottom line – what happens in the supply chain doesn't stay in the supply chain," Hacegaba said. "It shows up in the prices people pay every day. Not just higher price tags — but fewer discounts, higher free-shipping thresholds and slower delivery times."

Hacegaba also highlighted how rising fuel prices are accelerating the push toward renewable energy and domestic energy independence — priorities that align with the port’s long‑term sustainability strategy.

"This is a pivotal moment for energy," he said. "At the Port of Long Beach, we're not waiting."

The briefing marked the four‑year anniversary of the Clean Truck Fund Rate, launched in 2022 to support the transition to zero‑emissions trucks and infrastructure. The program has reinvested more than US$62 million to date.

"This is how we turn policy into progress," Hacegaba said.

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said the fund reflects the port's longstanding environmental leadership.

"The Clean Truck Fund Rate is one example of how the Port of Long Beach continues to be a longstanding leader in environmental stewardship," he said. "The Port is committed to seaport sustainability and eliminating pollution from port operations."

Hacegaba added that the port is also investing in zero‑emissions cargo‑handling equipment, clean shipping corridors, and offshore wind infrastructure, including the proposed Pier Wind terminal.

"We're not just adapting to the future," he said. "We're building the Port of the Future today."