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A combination of front-loaded cargo late last year, shifting tariff expectations and uneven inventory drawdowns shaped the softer start for U.S. ports in 2026.

U.S. port container volumes fell in November, but major gateways including Los Angeles and Long Beach remain on track for one of their strongest years on record.

Port of Los Angeles is bidding to reach the 10 million-container mark for the third time in its history, according to Executive Director Gene Seroka. 

Port container volumes remained strong in August as shippers angled to outmaneuver President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies while also getting a jump on the holiday season rush.

“July may be our peak season month as retailers and manufacturers bring orders in earlier than usual, then brace for trade uncertainty," said Port of Los Angeles' Gene Seroka.

A $25 million grant given to the Port of Houston Authority will go toward the development of a hydrogen refilling station in Bayport.

The Port of Houston Authority received a $3 million grant through the EPA’s Clean Ports program as part of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ Investing in America agenda.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted authority to Port Houston to handle cold treatment cargo, creating an opportunity for drayage companies in the region.

Port container volumes on the West Coast and East Coast declined in November, although shippers were focused on different factors.

The number of containerships waiting at the ports of Houston and Charleston, S.C., reached new pandemic highs as importers looking to avoid bottlenecks on the West Coast encounter growing congestion in alternative gateways.