The Port of Oakland continues to experience growth in its container volume. In May 2024, the total cargo volume increased by 5.3 percent compared to May 2023, reaching 188,040 TEUs (twenty-foot containers).

Import cargo volume in the first five months of the year saw a significant increase of 18.9 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Full imports reached 80,039 TEUs, which is 12.9 percent higher than May 2023.

On the other hand, full export volumes experienced a slight dip of 2.4 percent in May 2024, processing 61,931 TEUs compared to 63,475 TEUs in May 2023. However, the outlook remains positive as perishable goods shippers are returning to the Port of Oakland due to increased vessel schedule reliability.

Port of Oakland maritime director Bryan Brandes expressed optimism about the long-term resiliency of Oakland’s maritime business, highlighting the establishment of a direct service rail route between Oakland and Nevada, which will enhance cargo movement between the seaport and the US interior.

To strengthen relationships with ocean carriers, port commissioners and port leadership recently traveled to Taiwan for meetings focused on Oakland’s infrastructure investments, emissions reduction plans, and new inland rail connections.

Furthermore, empty exports from the Port of Oakland rose by 17.9 percent in May 2024, with 33,390 TEUs departing compared to 28,315 TEUs in May 2023. This increase in empty exports is a result of the rise in full imports from Asia, leading ocean carriers to reposition empty containers back to Asia for new cargo loads.

The positive trends in container volume and the efforts to improve infrastructure and relationships with carriers indicate the Port of Oakland’s commitment to sustaining and expanding its maritime business.