By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Oakland is ready for what could potentially be a record peak season for imports. “We’re hearing that the next two-to-three months could set new containerized import records in the US,” said the port’s Maritime Director John Driscoll.
“If that’s the case, we’re ready; we’ve got plenty of equipment to move cargo and our terminals are operating with high efficiency.”
Driscoll’s remarks came on the heels of the National Retail Federation’s forecast that containerized imports could approach record numbers in July and August, months that traditionally signal the beginning of peak season when retailers begin filling their shelves for back-to-school and holiday seasons.
The Northern California port, which posted a 3.4 percent increase in imports over last year, highlighted its peak-season preparedness with the following measures:
• Marine terminals are easing congestion at gates by requiring appointments for truck drivers picking up import containers;
• The availability of night gates to improve cargo flow, highlighting Oakland International Container Terminal, which is processing about 1,200 transactions nightly; A dedicated off-terminal empty container yard to ease traffic, with a reported 400 empty pick-ups/deliveries daily; and
• The anticipated September opening of a new gate complex at TraPac marine terminal, which should help shrink truck lines.
