The Port of Virginia continues to break its own records for productivity.

In October, the port handled 233,466 20-foot equivalent units, making it the busiest single month in the port’s history.

Compared to last October, volume is up 5.6; rail units are up 9.3 percent; truck volume is up 3.9 percent; breakbulk tonnage is up 26 percent; and vehicle units are up 217 percent. October also marked the eighth consecutive month of volume exceeding 210,000 units.

The port is tracking toward its most productive calendar year on record. Volume is up 8.5 percent year-to-date.

“We have to maintain this level of productivity as we begin to push for further improvements,” said John F. Reinhart, chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We have initiatives under way — the North Gate project at Norfolk International Terminals as an example — that when complete will push the needle toward greater productivity and service capability.”

Additional October highlights included the most ship calls in one month since December 2007, with 179; the most vehicles handled in October since 1988; and total rail containers handled the third highest month ever.

“It is equally important to note that our work to secure long-term infrastructure improvements are beginning to take shape,” Reinhart added. “We are executing our plan to be a reliable port partner and build the Port of Virginia as a preferred gateway for trade and economic development. We have implemented a sustainable business model and we are now beginning to capitalize on it.”