The Port of Oakland stands as a dominant force in the sector of refrigerated cargo, securing its position as the top port in the United States in terms of reefer container volumes for export trade.
Oakland has held the first position among all US ports for international reefer export TEUs for seven consecutive years.
The total commercial value of reefer exports passing through Oakland surged to an impressive US$7.1 billion in 2023, underscoring its significance as a pivotal export gateway for refrigerated products.
Also, this status is attributed, in part, to its strategic location on the US West Coast. Being often the final port of call for container ships before their voyages to Asia, Oakland ensures that refrigerated cargo arrives at overseas markets with optimal freshness, further enhancing its appeal.
In contrast to broader industry trends, the Port of Oakland witnessed a notable 4% increase in reefer export volumes in 2023. This growth is particularly noteworthy considering the 20% decline in total US volumes for temperature-sensitive exports during the same period. Notably, Oakland also bolstered its overall market share of reefer exports by 4.1%, marking a substantial increase from 14.2% to 18.3% of the market.
Among the array of refrigerated commodities exported from the Californian port, key staples include beef, pork, fruits, dairy products, and vegetables. These goods represent the cornerstone of Oakland’s thriving reefer export industry, further solidifying its position as a crucial player in the global supply chain.
“The Port and its partners have made significant investments in state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled facilities over the past seven years, including Cool Port, PCC Logistics and Custom Goods. With this additional cargo capacity and value-added services, we have been able to consistently attract the reefer export business,” stated Bryan Brandes, maritime director of Port of Oakland.
