What changed in the June numbers?
The main signal was import resilience. According to the Port, imports rose 11% to 387,025 TEUs, while exports slipped 1.3% to 86,446 TEUs and empty containers increased 14.1% to 305,860 TEUs.
| Item | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Release date | July 13, 2026 |
| June total volume | 779,331 TEUs |
| Year-over-year change | Up 10.6% |
| Import volume | 387,025 TEUs, up 11% |
Why does this matter for Southern California freight planning?
Because the import side is still carrying the story. When inbound boxes rise faster than exports, the pressure tends to show up downstream in drayage scheduling, yard density, warehouse receiving windows, and inland repositioning rather than in the headline number alone.
Is this enough to call it a new surge?
Not by itself. One strong month does not automatically mean a sustained peak-season spike. But it does reinforce that cargo is still flowing into the San Pedro Bay complex at a level high enough to keep inland execution disciplined, especially if July import demand stays firm.
What Shippers Should Do
- Watch import-driven pressure points such as appointment lead times and empty repositioning, not just the total TEU headline.
- Re-check Southern California delivery plans if your network depends on tight warehouse or rail handoffs after port discharge.
- Treat rising empty-container movement as a sign that equipment balancing still matters operationally.
- If you are planning August inbound builds, do not assume June strength will fade before your cargo arrives.