How Many Shipping Containers Pass Through the Port of LA?

The Port of Los Angeles is one of the most critical cargo gateways in the world. Often referred to as “America’s Port,” it handles a staggering volume of international freight—serving as the primary entry and exit point for goods moving between the United States and global markets.

A closer look at container traffic reveals the scale, seasonality, and operational dynamics behind the numbers. In this article, we explore how many containers move through the port, what’s driving those numbers, and why it matters to the broader logistics ecosystem.

 

Annual Container Volume at a Glance

In a typical year, the Port of Los Angeles handles between 9 million and 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). TEUs are the standard measurement for shipping containers, with one TEU representing the space occupied by a 20-foot container.

By the end of 2024, the Port processed just under 9.9 million TEUs, and early projections for 2025 suggest totals could hover near the 10 million mark, assuming current volume trends continue. This would bring the port back in line with its pre-pandemic highs, but without the bottlenecks that previously accompanied such spikes.

On a monthly basis, container volume typically ranges between 700,000 and 900,000 TEUs, with certain months—especially those preceding major retail seasons—routinely exceeding 900,000.

 

What Do These Containers Actually Hold?

Each container moving through the Port of LA carries goods that touch virtually every sector of the economy. Inbound shipments generally consist of:

  • Consumer electronics

  • Furniture and home appliances

  • Automotive parts and vehicles

  • Clothing, footwear, and textiles

Outbound containers, while fewer in number, include a mix of raw materials, agricultural products, and recyclables such as scrap metal and paper. The flow of containers is heavily weighted toward imports, a reflection of the U.S. trade imbalance with major Asian economies.

 

Daily Container Traffic: A Constant Flow

While yearly numbers grab headlines, daily operations are where the scale of the port becomes more tangible. On average, over 25,000 containers move through the Port of LA each day, a figure that includes both imports and exports.

The pace isn’t consistent throughout the week. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the busiest, as carriers attempt to unload weekend arrivals and reset for the week ahead. By Friday, volume typically starts to taper, allowing terminals to prepare for the next cycle.

That constant churn is made possible by a vast support network of cranes, trucks, trains, and personnel—each playing a critical role in keeping containers moving through the port system.

 

Seasonal Trends Shape Container Volume

Container traffic at the Port of LA closely follows seasonal consumer behavior. Volume typically builds in the spring, peaks in late summer, and then cools during the winter holiday period.

In 2025, that pattern has held steady:

  • Spring months (March–May) saw increased container flow tied to back-to-school and summer retail preparation.

  • Late summer (August–September) is expected to represent the highest volume period of the year, as retailers stock shelves ahead of the holiday season.

  • Year-end months (November–December) will likely see a natural decline in container movement, reflecting order slowdowns and carrier adjustments.

This rhythm not only helps retailers and importers align their inventory strategy—it also gives terminal operators and logistics providers a framework for managing personnel and equipment demand.

 

Infrastructure and Technology Keep Volume Moving

Handling 10 million containers annually requires more than just dock space—it takes coordination, technology, and ongoing investment. Recent improvements at the Port of LA are helping streamline the flow of containers even as volumes rise.

New terminal equipment, automated cranes, and expanded gate hours are reducing bottlenecks. Real-time container tracking systems have made it easier for importers to schedule pickups and reduce dwell times. Meanwhile, enhanced rail connections are speeding up container movement to inland destinations, relieving pressure on local trucking capacity.

These upgrades are particularly important when daily throughput reaches peak levels. Without them, even minor delays could have ripple effects across the national supply chain.

 

Looking Ahead: Is Volume Expected to Grow?

The long-term forecast for container volume at the Port of LA is cautiously optimistic. While growth is expected to be modest—typically in the range of 2% to 4% annually—the port is well-positioned to handle that increase.

Several factors are supporting this outlook:

  • Strong consumer demand across North America

  • Diversification of sourcing and manufacturing in Asia

  • Investments in terminal and rail infrastructure

  • The continued rise of e-commerce and fast-cycle inventory

Risks still exist, including economic slowdowns, labor disputes, and shifts in trade policy. But the overall trajectory suggests steady growth rather than volatility.

 

Final Thoughts

Roughly 10 million containers move through the Port of Los Angeles each year—a number that underscores its role as a linchpin in global logistics. While day-to-day operations may seem routine, the scale of activity and the systems in place to manage it are anything but ordinary.

Understanding how container volume fluctuates, what drives those changes, and how the port adapts is essential for anyone involved in logistics, retail, or manufacturing. In a world that increasingly runs on just-in-time inventory and global sourcing, the ability of ports like LA to process millions of containers efficiently is more important than ever.