Container handling at eight of the nine largest U.S. ports climbed 7% on a year earlier in October, making the eighth month of growth. Imports (up 5%) continued to outpace exports (1% higher), likely with the rest of an expanding trade deficit. Empty container handling outpaced both, with a 16% surge, reflecting modal shifts internationally. Savannah saw the fastest expansion, reflecting an increased share of China-inbound traffic thanks to the Panama Canal widening. Los Angeles did the worst, though that was a technical hangover from the failure of Hanjin Shipping a year ago.