First five months show jump in full import volume compared to 2023
Oakland, Calif.—June 17, 2024: The Port of Oakland’s container volume continues its upward trend. Total cargo volume increased 5.3% in May 2024 compared to May 2023, with 188,040 TEUs (twenty-foot containers).
Full import cargo volume in the first five months of this year increased significantly compared to the same period in 2023, rising 18.9%. Full imports reached 80,039 TEUs, which is 12.9% higher than May 2023, when 70,887 TEUs passed through Port terminals.
Full export volumes dipped slightly. Full exports decreased by 2.4%, processing 61,931 TEUs this May, compared to 63,475 TEUs in May 2023. Despite the dip, the outlook remains positive. Perishable goods shippers are returning to the Port of Oakland because vessel schedule reliability has increased in recent months.
“Overall positive trends point to the long-term resiliency of Oakland’s maritime business,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “We just celebrated a direct service rail route established between Oakland and Nevada that will further enhance cargo movement between our seaport and the U.S. interior.”
Port Commissioners and Port leadership recently traveled to Taiwan to meet with ocean carrier executives and strengthen those relationships. The meetings focused on Oakland’s infrastructure investments, emissions reduction plans and new inland rail connections.
Empty exports rose 17.9%, with 33,390 TEUs departing from the Port in May 2024, versus 28,315 TEUs in May 2023. The rise in empty exports is the result of the increase in full imports at Oakland from Asia. Ocean carriers are repositioning empty containers back to Asia to pick up new loads of cargo.
Container volume data HERE.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contacts
Robert Bernardo
Communications Director
Port of Oakland
Contact Robert
Marilyn Sandifur
Media/PR Manager
Port of Oakland
Email Marilyn
Click here to access the OAK media on-site request form.
David DeWitt
Media/PR Specialist
Port of Oakland
Contact David