Oakland, Calif. – March 6, 2017: California’s trucking industry has honored a Port of Oakland marine terminal for easing the state’s containerized cargo crunch. Oakland International Container Terminal received the first-ever Terminal Recognition Award last week for opening its gates at night.
The California and Harbor trucking associations presented the honor at a conference in Long Beach. The organizations also recognized Long Beach Container Terminal and Yusen Terminals of Los Angeles.
The associations said they presented the awards to recognize improvements in seaport efficiency. “The Oakland program was an example of a win-win situation between marine terminal operators and truckers”, said Peter Schneider, Chair of the California Trucking Association’s Northern California Intermodal Conference.
Oakland International Container Terminal is the largest of four marine terminals in Oakland. It processes about 70 percent of the Port’s cargo volume.
The terminal opened night gates to truckers beginning last summer in an effort to ease daytime crowding. It was the first terminal in the harbor to extend operations beyond traditional 8-to-5 hours. According to Port data, the change has reduced average transaction times by 40 percent.
“We’ve fundamentally changed the way we do business in Oakland,” said John Driscoll, the Port’s Maritime Director. “Partners like Oakland International Container Terminal are key to the transformation and we’re pleased that they’re being recognized for their leadership.”
Ports up and down the West Coast are attempting to improve marine terminal efficiency. Terminals are where ships, trucks and trains converge to move the world’s containerized trade. Lengthy truck transaction times slow delivery to cargo owners. Among other steps Oakland has taken to hasten cargo flow:
- A $1.6 million incentive program for terminals to extend gate hours;
- An appointment system for harbor truckers picking up cargo;
- Off-dock locations to conduct transactions without entering busy terminals;
- A mobile app providing transaction times to truck drivers and dispatchers; and
- Operational information on the web including transaction times and live camera footage of terminal gate activity.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. 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. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contacts
Mike Zampa
Communications Director
Tel. 510-627-1565
Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Tel. 510-627-1193
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