Peak season is off to a record start at the Port of Oakland. The Port handled the equivalent of 85,166 loaded 20-foot import containers last month, the company said in its press release. It was the busiest August in the Port’s 91-year history.
The Port’s record performance signaled a strong start to the peak shipping season. The August-through-October period is traditionally the highwater mark for container shipping. It’s the time of year when U.S. retailers stock shelves for holiday merchandising.
“We’re encouraged by the solid start to peak season, but there’s still uncertainty in the trade environment,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Let’s see what the next few months bring.”
Oakland’s August import volume was up 9.2 percent over August 2017. The previous record for August imports was set in 2015 with 82,492 TEUs. The Port attributed the gains to strong U.S. consumer spending at the beginning of peak season.
For the first eight months of 2018, Oakland’s total cargo volume – which includes imports, exports, and empty containers, is up 3.3 percent. If the trend holds, the Port would break its all-time cargo volume record for the third consecutive year.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port's 5-year strategic plan - Growth with Care - pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.