TraPac makes appointments mandatory for imported containers in Oakland

The marine terminal operator said that effective Dec. 6, truckers will be required to make appointments to pick up container imports in order to reduce wait times by more evenly distributing truck arrivals throughout the day.    A third marine terminal operator wants truckers to make appointments before picking-up cargo at the Port of Oakland.
   TraPac said today it will require appointments for all import container pick-ups beginning Dec. 6, noting how the appointment system will reduce waiting times by more evenly distributing truck arrivals throughout the day.
   TraPac becomes the third of four terminals to require appointments in Oakland. The others are Everport and Oakland International Container Terminal.
   Together, they handle over 90 percent of the containerized cargo moving through Oakland.
    “We commend TraPac for taking this step,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said. “It’s not easy introducing new operating procedures, but customers and harbor truckers benefit whenever we can speed up container throughput.”
   The Port of Oakland said it is one of a handful of ports nationwide with an appointment system. The port said that appointments are viewed as essential to accelerate cargo flow at ports that are encountering larger ships and growing box volumes.
   TraPac said truck dispatchers can log on to eModal, the nationwide port information system, starting today to make appointments for Dec. 6 and beyond. The requirement for appointments applies only to loaded import containers for now. TraPac said truck drivers won’t need reservations for export deliveries, or to pick-up or return empty containers. The marine terminal operator said it will communicate well in advance when it plans to expand appointments to all transactions.
   The port saidm “Appointments are the second measure implemented at TraPac this fall intended to improve terminal performance. Two months ago, the terminal began opening selective night gates to ease daytime crowding. In October, Port Commissioners approved a new lease enabling TraPac to double its size in Oakland next year.”