Oakland port commissions economic study of local drayage trucking

Oakland port commissions economic study of local drayage trucking Port of Oakland commissioners have approved a contract with Los Angeles-based consulting firm Beacon Economics to develop an economic impact study looking at the port's local drayage industry.
      The study is needed, port officials said, to develop a clear understanding of the local drayage industry as the port looks to move forward with developing a truck management program.
   Expected to take three months to complete, the study will comprise three main elements:
   ' Data collection on drayage trucks and drivers' existing supply, demand and operations at the port.
   ' Assess the impact on drayage supply and demand by numerous possible truck program components.
   ' Cost projections to the port's customers and users, and the impact on port competitiveness, if certain elements of the truck program are adopted.
   The seven-member port board, which approved the Beacon Economics contract on Aug. 5, hopes to use the impact study to determine 'appropriate components' of the proposed truck program that are 'legal and feasible in the context of the port's legal obligations, mandates, policies, and business needs.'
   In presenting the item to the board, port staff said, 'The study would form the basis for determining whether any proposed (truck management program) would promote efficient commerce, maintain adequate and reasonably-priced drayage service ' while offering maximum safety, security and air emission reduction benefits.'
   Financial details of the contract were not released by the port pending a formal contract with Beacon.