THE Port of Long Beach posted 6.6 per cent year-on-year increase in container throughput in November to 619,699 TEU, the fifth straight month of increases and enough to make it the second-busiest November in the port's 104-year history.

Imports were up 4.3 per cent to 306,654 containers. Reflecting the strong US dollar, exports fell four per cent to 124,717 TEU. Empties came in at 188,328 TEU, up 19.5 per cent.

Post-holiday sales planned by retailers across the country drove the port's strong cargo numbers, reported the American Journal of Transportation. Retailers stocked their shelves months ago, and are shipping empties back to be refilled.

The National Retail Federation reported October sales were the highest in three months. The Toy Industry Association reported healthy sales figures up by 6.2 per cent, an increase of US$1 billion. The “Star Wars?and “Minions?movies, whose toys came through the Port of Long Beach, drove toy sales.

"Thanks to our industry partners, we have had consistent gains throughout 2015 and are on track to move more than seven million TEU this year," said Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup. "Retailers have reported a modest but healthy holiday season, which keeps us busy and the economy growing."