IN response to expectations that the next two-to-three months could set new containerised import records in the US, port of Oakland maritime director John Driscoll announced confidently that the port is ready for such a spike in volumes.
We're ready; we've got plenty of equipment to move cargo and our terminals are operating with high efficiency," Mr Driscoll was quoted as saying in a report by American Shipper.
Mr Driscoll's comments followed a bullish forecast from the National Retail Federation that containerised import volume could reach all-time highs in July and August.
In line with the prediction, Oakland reported record cargo volumes for June, moving a total of 204,255 TEU during the month. Additionally, imports at the northern California port are up 3.4 per cent so far this year compared to 2016, and port officials say they expect the trend to continue over the next few months.
According to the port of Oakland, it is confident in its peak-season preparedness due to numerous factors, including marine terminals loading and unloading ships with a 24-hour average turnaround; and terminals requiring appointments for truck drivers to pick up import containers, easing crowding at terminal gates.
Furthermore, night gates are also improving cargo flow, with the port saying Oakland International Container Terminal is processing 1,200 transactions a night, roughly 20 per cent of its daily volume; and an exclusive, off-terminal empty container yard is helping to smooth out traffic.
