March 14, 2018 - While ocean cargo gateways in San Pedro report record inbound throughput for the month the Port of Oakland notes that its containerized import volume increased by an astonishing 14.9 percent last month.
This was achieved despite the fact that the port is still seeking a direct carrier call from Asia.
“A first port of call is still a priority for many of our customers,” said Oakland’s director of communication’s, Mike Zampa.
Still, February container volume grew in all categories, setting records along the way. Oakland’s performance follows release of a new 5-year strategic plan calling for record cargo volume annually through 2022.
“A lot can happen in an uncertain trade environment, but we’re off to an encouraging start to 2018,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “There’ll be challenges along the way but we still see steady cargo growth into the future.”
The port adopted a strategic plan this month projecting eight percent cargo growth in the next five years. Here’s how February’s totals fit the forecast:
• Oakland handled the equivalent of 73,666 20-foot import containers, the highest February total in its 91-year history.
• Export volume increased 1.8 percent, the third consecutive month of export growth in Oakland.
• Total volume – including imports, exports and empty boxes - grew 7.6 percent to 188,175 containers, another February record.
The port said continuing strength in U.S. consumer spending helped drive its import business. It advised that March volume could dip due to post-Lunar New Year factory holidays in Asia, Oakland’s primary market.
Source: Logistics Management
