August was another record month for container cargo volume at the Port of Long Beach, and a clear sign of returning customer confidence, port officials said Wednesday.

About 703,650 containers moved through the port last month, up 23 percent over the same month last year. It was the busiest month in the port’s 104-year history, and the second month in a row to set that record after 690,244 containers passed through the port in July.

The number of imported containers grew by 19 percent to 358,260, while the number of exported containers climbed 9.4 percent to 138,770. Empty containers returning to overseas ports increased 42.1 percent.

Port officials say two months of record-breaking volume show that customer confidence in the port’s ability to move cargo has returned, but they also attribute the growth to a strengthening U.S. dollar and retailers ordering goods for the upcoming holiday season.

“Our partners once again have expressed their confidence in the Port of Long Beach and we thank them for their business,” said the port’s Chief Executive, Jon Slangerup. “We have been working with all our stakeholders and the results are our best month ever.”

Through the first eight months of the year, cargo volume at the Port of Long Beach is up 5.4 percent over the same period last year.

Officials at the Port of Los Angeles said they expect to release August cargo figures next week.