Port of Oakland cargo volume hit all-time high in 2018

Oakland, Calif. – Jan. 15, 2019: Port of Oakland container volume reached an all-time high in 2018, according to data released today. The Port said it handled the equivalent of 2.55 million 20-foot containers last year. That was up 5.2 percent from 2017 volume. It was the second straight year of record volume in Oakland, the Port said.

According to Port figures, 2018 import cargo volume increased 5 percent while exports declined 3.5 percent. The volume of empty containers returned to origin destinations for future import loads increased 19.7 percent.

The Port said multiple influences were at work in 2018 shaping cargo flows, including:

• A China-U.S. trade dispute that prompted shippers to accelerate import orders ahead of anticipated tariffs;
• A strong dollar that made U.S. exports costlier overseas; and
• A buildup of empty containers in the U.S. that required repositioning to Asia because of the import surge.

“Last year was the busiest one ever at the Port for a variety of reasons,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “Our objective now is to build on this performance to grow import and export volume.”

For more details about the Port of Oakland’s monthly container statistics, please click here.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port's 5-year strategic plan - Growth with Care - pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. 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.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release reflect not historical facts but forecasts, projections, estimates and other “forward-looking statements.”  In this respect, the words “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “forecast,” “assume” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such forecasts, projections, estimates and other forward-looking statements are not intended as representations of fact or guarantees of results.  Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those that have been forecasted, estimated or projected.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.  The Port assumes no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any changes in the Port’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Media Contacts

Mike Zampa
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur
Port of Oakland
Port Spokesperson
(510) 627-1193
[email protected]

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