US Ports Set 2026 Record in September as Long Peak Winds Down

· Shipping · United States

US ports handled 2.37 million TEUs in September, the busiest month of 2026 and the third-busiest in the history of the National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker, according to the NRF. The figure capped an unusually long peak shipping season that kept major ports busy since spring despite tariffs, and retailers have upgraded their fourth-quarter import forecast even as the extended peak winds down. The data gives carriers and ports a clearer read on how front-loading and tariff timing have reshaped the traditional autumn slowdown.

Why it matters：Import volumes remain the core demand signal for trans-Pacific container shipping, and an upgraded fourth-quarter forecast affects how carriers plan capacity into the year-end.

Key points

  • September's 2.37 million TEUs was the third-busiest month on record for the tracker.
  • The peak season stretched from spring despite tariffs.
  • The NRF upgraded its fourth-quarter import forecast.

Sources (original reporting)

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