The Port of Long Beach had its second-busiest September on record, down 5.9% from the same month last year, demonstrating the need for extended work hours within the supply chain as unprecedented numbers of vessels wait off the coast to unload cargo, according to the company’s release.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 748,472 cargo container units, a dip from the Port’s strongest September on record, achieved in 2020. Imports decreased 8.7% to 370,230 TEUs, while exports declined 1.6% to 110,787 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port dropped 3.6% to 267,456 TEUs.

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles last month announced a joint effort to expand operating hours that provides more time for trucks to pick up and return shipping containers as a measure to improve freight movement and reduce delays through the port complex.

Total Terminals International container terminal on Pier T rose to the challenge last month by launching a pilot program that makes it easier for trucks to access the facility during overnight hours.

Issues within the supply chain have slowed the country’s economic momentum, but have not reversed it. Strong consumer spending supported by rising employment and wage growth will continue to drive economic expansion.

A message of thanks from Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero to the men and women of the @ilwulongshore. #HeroesAtOurPorts pic.twitter.com/hLSyfjsDcV

— Port of Long Beach (@portoflongbeach) October 12, 2021

The Port of Long Beach has moved 7,094,849 TEUs during the first nine months of 2021, up 24.3% from the same period in 2020. The Port is on pace to move more than 9 million TEUs by the end of this year, surpassing the current record of 8.1 million TEUs achieved in 2020.

The Port processed 2,341,021 TEUs between July 1 and Sept. 30, a 2.9% increase from the third quarter of 2020.