By Mark Edward Nero
California’s trucking industry has honored a Port of Oakland marine terminal for taking steps to help ease the state’s containerized cargo crunch.
During an event last week, Oakland International Container Terminal received the first-ever Terminal Recognition Award for opening its gates at night.
The California and Harbor trucking associations presented the honor at a conference in Long Beach. The organizations also recognized Long Beach Container Terminal and Yusen Terminals of Los Angeles.
The associations said they presented the awards to recognize improvements in seaport efficiency. “The Oakland program was an example of a win-win situation between marine terminal operators and truckers,” said Peter Schneider, Chair of the California Trucking Association’s Northern California Intermodal Conference.
Oakland International Container Terminal is the largest of four marine terminals in Oakland; it processes about 70 percent of the port’s cargo volume. The terminal opened night gates to truckers beginning last summer to try easing daytime crowding. It was the first terminal in the harbor to extend operations beyond traditional 8-to-5 hours.
According to port data, the change has reduced average transaction times by 40 percent.
“We’ve fundamentally changed the way we do business in Oakland,” the port’s maritime director, John Driscoll, said. “Partners like Oakland International Container Terminal are key to the transformation and we’re pleased that they’re being recognized for their leadership.”
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
