Port of Oakland Executive Director addresses supply chain advantages
Emphasis on Oakland’s proximity and service to Port customers
Oakland, CA – (September 30, 2016): Location, location, location. That may be the Port of Oakland’s biggest advantage, says Executive Director Chris Lytle. And it’s key to the Port’s future, he told more than 140 customers here this month. Speaking to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Mr. Lytle said geography will be a differentiator as the Port competes with other ports for business over the next decade.
“The Port of Oakland’s proximity to the Central Valley makes us a vital link in the global agricultural supply chain,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director, Chris Lytle. “For our customers—that means greater reliability and reduced travel times through Oakland.”
The Port’s Executive Director said importers will find Oakland’s location increasingly attractive as the economies of the greater Bay Area, Northern California and even Nevada continue to blossom. More than 80 percent of the Port’s inbound cargo volume goes to those areas.
As one of the nation’s leading export gateways, Oakland’s proximity to major California growing centers will continue to benefit agricultural exporters, Mr. Lytle said. Already, he pointed out, the Port is the preferred outlet to Asia for Central Valley fruits and nuts, Salinas Valley greens, and wines from the entire northern half of the state.
Soon, Mr. Lytle, said, more of the food chain will find its way through Oakland. The Port is working on a 400,000 sq. ft. “Cool Port” cold storage facility for refrigerated export commodities. This facility will strengthen Oakland’s role as America’s meat and poultry gateway.
The Port’s planned Seaport Logistics Center will provide customers with an entirely self-contained “one stop” facility for warehousing and distribution. The main advantage of the Logistics Center’s location is that it will be built adjacent to marine terminals and railyards. This will speed up overall goods movement in Oakland.
The Port’s latest supply chain efficiency measure includes permanent night gates Monday-Thursday from 6PM – 3 AM. Implemented by Oakland’s largest terminal operator, Oakland International Container Terminal, this option gives truckers greater flexibility while reducing terminal congestion. The terminal also implemented a truck appointment system to improve efficiency. These ideas arose from the Port’s Efficiency Task Force which is comprised of maritime stakeholders. Both measures are designed to create greater supply chain reliability.
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
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
Robert Bernardo,
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
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