Port of Long Beach Rail Performance: US Infrastructure & BNSF/UP Insights

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November 13, 2025 8:54 am

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Introduction

Cargo volume at the Port of Long Beach decreased by 14.9% in October, totaling 839,671 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), compared to 987,191 TEUs in the same month last year.

Traffic Volume Decline

In October, imports at the Port of Long Beach fell by 17.6% year-over-year, reaching 401,915 TEUs. Exports decreased by 11.5% to 99,817 TEUs. The movement of empty containers through the port saw a 12.6% decline, with 337,940 TEUs recorded.

Year-to-Date Cargo Performance

Despite the monthly decrease, the total cargo volume handled by the Port of Long Beach through October is up 4.1% compared to the same period last year.

Factors Influencing Cargo Movement

The Port of Long Beach indicates that the increase in overall cargo movement is due to retailers pre-ordering shipments and stocking warehouses ahead of the implementation of the United States’ reciprocal tariffs in April.

Infrastructure and Rail Services

The Pacific Harbor Line provides service to the Port of Long Beach, with interchanges to BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.

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Conclusion

In summary, the Port of Long Beach experienced a decrease in cargo volume in October, while its year-to-date cargo volume is up compared to the previous year. The port attributes the increase to retailers’ early ordering patterns before tariff implementations. The port is served by the Pacific Harbor Line.

Company Summary

Port of Long Beach: A major seaport in the United States, handling a significant volume of container cargo. It is served by the Pacific Harbor Line.

Pacific Harbor Line: Provides rail service to the Port of Long Beach, interchanging with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.

BNSF Railway: A Class I freight railroad in North America, with connections to the Pacific Harbor Line.

Union Pacific Railroad: A Class I freight railroad operating in the Western United States, connected to the Pacific Harbor Line.

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