Port of Oakland Container Volume Increases 5.4% in September

October 13, 2026

Imports and exports both post year-over-year growth; total volume rises 8.5% from August

Oakland, Calif. – October 13, 2026: The Port of Oakland handled 188,517 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units=twenty-foot containers) in September 2026, a 5.4% increase compared with September 2025. Growth in both loaded imports and exports helped drive the increase, with combined loaded container volume rising 7.7% year over year.

Loaded imports totaled 82,975 TEUs, up 9.6% from September 2025, reversing declines recorded in July and August. Loaded exports reached 63,299 TEUs, an increase of 5.3% compared with the same month last year. Exports also marked their third consecutive month of month-over-month growth.

“It’s encouraging to see growth in both imports and exports this month,” said Jason Garben, Port of Oakland Acting Director of Maritime. “Our focus remains on delivering reliable, efficient service and working with our terminal operators and ocean carriers to strengthen Oakland’s competitive position and attract additional cargo.”

Combined loaded cargo totaled 146,274 TEUs in September, while empty container volume reached 42,243 TEUs, down 2.0% from a year earlier. Total container volume increased 8.5% compared with August. The Port recorded 88 vessel calls during September, up 7.3% year over year.

Through the first nine months of 2026, the Port handled 1,656,999 TEUs, down 3.5% compared with the same period in 2025. Loaded imports totaled 706,177 TEUs, down 3.1%, while loaded exports reached 590,434 TEUs, up 0.7%. Combined loaded container volume was down 1.4% year to date. Empty container movements declined 10.4%.

September’s results show renewed growth in both directions of loaded cargo movement, even as overall container volume remains below last year’s pace through the first nine months.

The Numbers — September 2026

Category	September 2026	Year-over-Year Change
Loaded Imports	82,975 TEUs	+9.6%
Loaded Exports	63,299 TEUs	+5.3%
Loaded TEUs	146,274 TEUs	+7.7%
Empty TEUs	42,243 TEUs	−2.0%
Total TEUs	188,517 TEUs	+5.4%
Vessel Calls	88	+7.3%

Year-to-Date — Through September 2026

Category	Jan.–July 2026	Change vs. 2025
Loaded Imports	706,177 TEUs	−3.1%
Loaded Exports	590,434 TEUs	+0.7%
Loaded TEUs	1,296,611 TEUs	−1.4%
Empty TEUs	360,388 TEUs	−10.4%
Total TEUs	1,656,999 TEUs	-3.5%

For more container statistics, visit: Port of Oakland Facts & Figures.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport through Facebook and X/Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.