The Port of Oakland’s container volumes continue to rise, with total cargo volume increasing by 5.3% in May 2024 compared to the same month last year, reaching 188,040 TEUs.
The first five months of this year have seen a significant boost in full import cargo volume, rising 18.9% compared to the same period in 2023. In May 2024 alone, full imports hit 80,039 TEUs, a 12.9% increase from the 70,887 TEUs recorded in May 2023.
However, full export volumes experienced a slight decline, decreasing by 2.4%. In May 2024, 61,931 TEUs were processed, compared to 63,475 TEUs in May 2023. Despite this dip, the outlook remains positive as shippers of perishable goods are returning to the Port of Oakland, thanks to improved vessel schedule reliability in recent months.
“Overall positive trends point to the long-term resiliency of Oakland’s maritime business. We just celebrated a direct service rail route established between Oakland and Nevada that will further enhance cargo movement between our seaport and the US interior,” commented Bryan Brandes, maritime director at Port of Oakland.
Port Commissioners and Port leadership recently visited Taiwan to meet with ocean carrier executives and strengthen their relationships. The discussions centred on Oakland’s infrastructure investments, emissions reduction plans, and new inland rail connections.
Meanwhile, empty exports saw a notable increase of 17.9% in the previous month, with 33,390 TEUs departing from the Californian port. This gain in empty exports is attributed to the increase in full imports from Asia, as ocean carriers reposition empty containers back to Asia to pick up new cargo loads.
