TO speed up cargo operations and clear the backlog of containerships clogging up San Francisco Bay, the US west coast Port of Oakland has hired 400 new dockers as the current labour shortage has lengthened the time ships spend loading and unloading.
Port authorities expect cargo and vessel delays to ease by the end of July and have been holding discussions with waterfront labour and management on further measures to implement to accelerate cargo operations.
"We're not operating with the speed and efficiency our customers deserve right now," said maritime director John Driscoll. "Additional longshore labour is an important first step in getting back on track."
It has also added time to the delivery of cargo at final destination, particularly as containerised cargo volume in Oakland has increased from the previous year's total for three straight months, reported the American Journal of Transportation.
Port authorities said waterfront employers and the longshore union agreed last month to beef up Oakland's labour pool. In dockers, they agreed to train and promote 100 current workers. They plan on building up the work force to fill positions requiring greater skill and experience.
The number of vessels arriving in Oakland has grown, too, with the port often berthing 10 ships a day. Some ships have been anchored in the Bay two days waiting for short-staffed terminals to clear vessels from berths.
PORTS
14 July 2015 - 21:31
400 dockers arrive at Oakland to clear backlogged boxes, unload extra ships
TO speed up cargo operations and clear the backlog of containerships clogging up San Francisco Bay, the US west coast Port of Oakland has hired 400 new dockers as the current labour shortage has lengthened the time ships spend loading and unloading.
PORTS
14 July 2015 - 21:31
400 dockers arrive at Oakland to clear backlogged boxes, unload extra ships
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