The Port of Los Angeles saw record volumes in September which it said also marks the port's busiest quarter ever led by gains in imports.

America's busiest port processed 883,625 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in September, an increase of 13.3% compared to 2019.

In a statement, it said this marks the busiest September for the port as well as the best single three-month quarter – 2,701,847 TEUs – in Port of LA's 114-year history.

“Despite unresolved questions about our nation’s health, economy and export strength, imports have improved significantly after a difficult spring,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

September loaded imports increased by 17.3% to 471,795 TEUs compared to the previous year. Loaded exports decreased 0.3% to 130,397 TEUs. Empty containers increased 14% to 281,434 TEUs.

The 883,625 TEUs in total eclipsed the previous September record of 801,264 set in 2018.

Year to date, cargo has decreased by 8.9% compared to 2019. 

Meanwhile, Port of LA said 97 cargo vessels arrived in September, with no cancelled sailings. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Oliver discharged and loaded more than 30,200 TEUs during its visit in September to APM Terminals. It’s the second-highest all-time number of TEUs handled in a single ship visit at the Port of Los Angeles.