How can I get more information on the Port of Oakland?
Contact us via email or call the Maritime Division's automated help line at (510) 627-1461. The Maritime Division publishes a comprehensive Facility Map, Intermodel Fact Sheet,and the Port of Oakland Maritime Directory. You can order these online, all available free of charge.

How do I ship my car or household goods?
You may contact an ocean carrier directly or you may work with a Freight Forwarder who can assist you. Matson (www.matson.com) and Horizon Lines (www.horizon-lines.com) specialize in the Hawaiian trade lane.

How can I find a Freight Forwarder, Customshouse Broker, Trucker, or Warehouse in the Bay Area?
Call the Customshouse Brokers and Freight Forwarder's Association of Northern California at (510) 536-2233. For a detailed list of contacts please refer to the Service Directory.

I have cargo arriving inside a container. Where do I go to pick it up?
Unless you are a large shipper importing multiple containers, you will not pick your cargo up at the terminal in Oakland. Most personal shipments in containers are "less than full loads", which means the container your goods are in also has goods for others. The Freight Forwarder for these containers will have made arrangements to have the container picked up from the terminal, usually within 5 days of vessel arrival, and transferred by truck to a local warehouse in the Bay Area. Once the container arrives at the warehouse the contents are unloaded, and you will get a call advising you that your cargo is ready for pickup and where their warehouse is located.

Where can I buy a used cargo container?
Check the Yellow Pages under "Cargo & Freight Containers."

Do the container ships carry passengers?
Usually no. Insurance and security issues prevent shipping lines from offering passenger service.

What is the maximum weight of cargo I can load in a container?
The maximum allowable weight on California's public roads is 80,000 lbs. gross which includes the cargo, container, chassis, truck and so on. However, on designated "Heavyweight" roadways within the Port area specially licensed trucks may weigh up to 95,000 lbs.

How can I find out what time and where a specific ship will arrive?
You may contact the ocean carrier directly, or the Marine Exchange at (415) 441-6600.

How can I find vessel arrivals and departures?
Vessel arrivals and departures are available from a number of sources.
For pro forma schedules updated weekly you may want to check the web
sites of the appropriate steamship carrier(s) or consider a subscription
to the Journal of Commerce (www.joc.com).

For information of particular vessel arrivals or departures, please contact the San Francisco Marine Exchange at (415) 441-6600 or www.sfmx.org.

I'm still not sure what to do, who can answer other questions?
Port of Oakland staff will assist you if possible. To start this process please send us an email or call our automated service line at (510) 627-1461.