The monthly container cargo count at the Port of Long Beach reached its highest levels in nearly three years to 611,002 twenty-foot equivalent container units moved in the month of August, a 23.9 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Imports were up 24.5 percent to 311,240 TEUs, the highest number since November 2007 and near the peak levels reached that year. Exports were down 3.5 percent to 126,039 TEUs compared to August 2009 and empty container moves were up 54 percent to 173,723 TEUs. Empty containers are mostly bound overseas for refilling.