US ports handled 2.37 million TEUs in September, according to the National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker — the busiest month of 2026 and the third-highest monthly volume in the report's history.
On the back of that surge, the NRF nudged its fourth-quarter import forecast higher. The same report notes, however, that this year's stretched-out peak season is now winding down, with inbound volumes expected to ease from here.
For shippers moving cargo on the US trades, September's spike means tight yard and rail connections at major West and East Coast gateways. If you still have Black Friday or holiday replenishment orders to move via ocean parcel, securing space matters more than chasing rates right now — miss the last sailing of the peak and the next available slot may not come until mid-December.
Two other developments bear watching on the customs and cost side. A rule taking effect in early January will require licensed customs brokers to verify that overseas clients qualify as US importers of record before filing entries on their behalf. Separately, the US Trade Representative's office has issued notice postponing port fees on China-built or China-controlled vessels calling at US ports for two months, starting Monday. One affects filing procedures, the other affects how carrier costs pass through; check official announcements for the latest implementation details.