Port of Oakland Container Volume Rose 5.4% in September
Local shippers and logistics operators saw increased cargo activity following dips in previous months.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Transportation
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The Port of Oakland handled 188,517 total TEUs in September 2026, marking a 5.4 percent increase in container volume compared to September 2025. This uptick reflects a rebound in throughput after declines in loaded import volume were recorded during July and August 2026.
Why it matters
The rise in volume highlights a shift in cargo activity for Oakland-based logistics providers and supply chain operators. The increase suggests a return to higher throughput levels after the import volume cooling observed earlier in the third quarter.
The Port of Oakland recorded 188,517 TEUs in September 2026, supported by a 9.6 percent year-over-year increase in loaded imports and a 5.3 percent rise in loaded exports. This activity was sustained by 88 vessel calls across the month.
The players
Port of Oakland
A major maritime logistics hub that serves as a primary gateway for containerized trade on the U.S. West Coast.
The details
Total loaded cargo volume reached 146,274 TEUs, with loaded imports totaling 82,975 TEUs and exports reaching 63,299 TEUs. The overall growth figures were bolstered by empty container volume of 42,243 TEUs. These metrics track the operational throughput of the port following recorded declines in import levels throughout mid-summer.
Timeline
September 2025 served as the comparison baseline for monthly volume data.
July 2026 and August 2026 both saw recorded declines in loaded import levels.
September 2026 saw the port handle 188,517 total TEUs.
The first nine months of 2026 recorded a total volume of 1,656,999 TEUs.
Market Landscape
The September growth marks a departure from the import volume dips seen during the 2026 mid-summer period. This performance update provides a benchmark for regional logistics operators against the broader annual throughput trend.
Local operators managing inventory through the port should factor in this higher throughput when planning drayage and terminal pickup capacity. The reversal of the summer slump suggests a tighter capacity environment compared to the previous two months.
The takeaway
The September volume increase indicates a recovery for import and export activity following the recent mid-summer cooling. Operators should monitor vessel call frequency and port congestion levels to adjust their local distribution schedules accordingly.
Further reading
For broader trends impacting local logistics, view the latest updates in Transportation.
Live Poll
Do you believe the recent increase in port activity signals a strengthening national economy?
