Night gates increasing Oakland efficiency

Between 1,500 and 2,000 daily truck transactions after sundown are being conducted at Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT), up from 800 a year ago. Port officials said that night gates have curbed daytime congestion; reduced truck traffic on city streets and freeways; accelerated shipment deliveries to cargo owners; and enabled truck drivers, mostly independent operators, to transport more containers daily.

“Night operations have transformed the Port,” said the Port of Oakland’s executive director Chris Lytle. “No more 8-to-5 work days…we’re too busy for that.”

Less waiting

According to OICT, truck transaction times have averaged 60-to-90 minutes since night gates began. In the past, a driver could wait 2-to-3 hours to conduct business. The terminal said night gates account for about 30% of its daily transaction volume.

OICT introduced night gates two years ago to take pressure off overburdened daytime operations. It was the first terminal to open for a second shift in Oakland history. Nearby TraPac marine terminal has also been testing night gates.

Freight haulers use the gates for everything from picking up loaded import containers to dropping off refrigerated exports.

Since 2017, several US ports have followed Oakland’s lead by introducing night hours. Ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach are studying Oakland as they consider revamping night operations, the Port of Oakland said.