Oakland container volumes up 6% in August

Higher import volumes offset a slight decline in exports from the Northern California port, according to the most recent figures from the Port of Oakland.    The Port of Oakland handled 216,911 TEUs in August 2015, 6 percent more than in August 2014.
   Containerized import volumes increased 15 percent to 82,492 TEUs, while exports fell 0.4 percent to 77,657 TEUs in August compared to the same period last year.
   Import volumes have been up for the past six months at the Northern California port and John Driscoll, Oakland’s maritime director said, “We’re building momentum before the peak. It’s an indication that the season could be a good one; but more importantly, it’s a sign that customers are counting on the Port of Oakland to deliver.”
   The port said an increase in longshore labor on the waterfront is helping to absorb the growth in volumes. About 150 more dockworkers are now being deployed at Oakland’s five marine terminals compared to 2014 totals.