Oakland improves flow

The port will open and operate a 25-acre off-terminal, paved container yard equipped to move containers off chassis and store them for rapid pick-up. The yard will also provide access to equipment and provide faster truck turnarounds without having to wait for in-terminal space.

“The Port, along with our federal and state partners, is ready to do everything we can to help provide room and relief to help our agricultural customers,” said Port of Oakland executive director, Danny Wan.

Preferred gateway for California

The Port of Oakland is the preferred export gateway for much of California’s agricultural exporters and for refrigerated proteins. Under normal circumstances, volume at the port is finely balanced between imports and exports. However, the current import surge clogging up the ports is displacing ships and containers, especially shipments of farm goods.

State and port officials therefore convened with farm producers and transport bosses in an attempt to solve the year-long crisis. Biden Administration Port Envoy John Porcari facilitated frequent discussions with agricultural exporters, shipping lines and the Port of Oakland to lend federal support.

The discussions focused on a range of solutions with long-term initiatives including asset management of containers; reviewing port operations, including off-dock container yards and long-term supply chain strategies and increased investment in critical port infrastructure.