The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) surpassed two-million twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs) handled in 2015 by mid-December, setting a new record that beats the previous record of 1.96 million TEUs set for all of the previous year.

According to the latest figures released by the agency, if the containers were laid end to end, two million TEUs would reach more than 7,575 miles, or approximately the distance between Houston and Shanghai, China.

“Having the two millionth TEU crossing our docks illustrates the steadfast guidance of the Port Authority’s leadership through the Port Commission and diligence of our staff to deliver exemplary service to our customers and validates that the port is ready for the increased cargo…and bigger things to come,” said PHA Executive Director Roger Guenther.

“Projections indicate continued strong growth in containers moving across Port Authority docks in coming years,” he said.

Container activity at the port is centered at its Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals, which, combined, currently handle 67 percent of all the containerized cargo in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Recently, the Port Authority processed a record 4,300 trucks in one day at Bayport, which opened in 2007 and is being built out according to its master plan. The terminal continues to show excellent service levels and low truck turn times.

The PHA is investing about $700 million over the next decade modernizing the Barbours Cut Container Terminal to increase efficiency, facilitate larger vessels and double the container handling capacity.

Among other improvements, four new Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore wharf cranes that were delivered this year are now in operation.

At the newer Bayport terminal, a state-of-the-art truck entry gate has streamlined truck processing, and a user-friendly mobile app for truck drivers has increased efficiency.