The port said Friday that it handled the equivalent of 250,686 loaded 20-foot import containers from August through October, the traditional high-water mark for container shipping. That broke the old peak season import record of 233,825 containers set in the summer and fall of 2017.
The port attributed the increase in cargo volume to strong U.S. consumer spending. It added that U.S. shippers accelerated cargo growth by rushing imports into the country ahead of a new round of tariffs to be imposed on Chinese goods. The twin influences supercharged peak season, which is the time of year when U.S. retailers build inventories for holiday merchandising, the port said.
“We’re pleased by our peak season figures,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Now we’ll see how tariffs affect future trade flows.”
The port handled 82,397 loaded 20-foot import containers last month, making it the busiest October in the port’s 91-year history. That figure was a 7.4 percent increase over October 2017 volume.
Total volume — imports, exports and empty containers — was up 3.9 percent through the first 10 months of 2018, the port said, pointing out that if the trend continues, Oakland would set a new cargo volume record for the third straight year.
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The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now