By Karen Robes Meeks
Thanks to the introduction of a new strategy, the Port of Oakland is seeing more truck visits at night now than at any other time in its nearly 100-year history.
Two years ago, Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT) was the first to open a second shift to ease heavy daytime operations. Truck transaction times went from waits of up to three hours to an average of 60 to 90 minutes, and night gates now account for about 30 percent of its daily volume, according to OICT.
“We’ve spread out the truck traffic and improved the drivers’ turn times,” said Jim Rice, general manager at Oakland International Container Terminal. “Night gates have allowed us to operate nine shifts a week with a domino effect: there’s less traffic and congestion and it’s easier for cargo owners to pick up their shipments.”
Meanwhile, TraPac marine terminal has been testing night gates.
“Night operations have transformed the Port,” said Executive Director Chris Lytle. “No more 8 to 5 work days… we’re too busy for that.”
