The peak shipping season, which historically came in late summer or fall, has become earlier and smoother in recent years amid reasons ranging from supply chain disruptions to expected tariff increases. While a whole-year total is still pending, 2026 is expected to total 25.5 million TEU, up 0.1% from last year. Imports totaled 25.4 million TEU in 2025, down 0.3% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024. August is forecast at 2.22 million TEU, down 4.2% year over year. September is forecast at 2.16 million TEU, up 2.8% year over year; October at 2.13 million TEU, up 2.7% year over year; November at 2.03 million TEU, up 0.3%, and December should pick up slightly at 2.06 million TEU, up 2.5% over last year.