“This is the peak season for container shipping, when we expect higher import volumes ahead of the year-end holidays,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.
According to Port data, last month’s import surge topped the previous September record of 77,071 containers. That was set back in 2006.
The Port said that import volume is up 4.1 percent year-to-date compared to 2016. It added that the higher volume reflects increased spending by U.S. consumers on overseas goods.
Ports nationwide typically handle more containerized imports in the August-through-October period. That’s the time when retailers stock up for holiday sales. Most imports arriving in Oakland originate in Chinese or Southeast Asia factories.
The Port reported that total September container volume – which measures imports, exports and empty containers – increased 12.7 percent. But records show that the number of vessels visiting Oakland decreased 3.6 percent in that period. The Port said shipping lines are delivering more cargo to Oakland on fewer but larger ships.
About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
