In California, the Port of Oakland has reported that 2017 was the busiest year in its 90-year history as it handled the equivalent of 2.42m 20-foot containers, breaking the previous record of 2.39m containers set in 2014.
The Port said it actually broke two more records in 2017 with 919,523 loaded import containers and 1.85m combined imports and exports.
Import growth in particular drove its record performance, with imports increasing 4 percent in 2017 over 2016 totals. December imports were up 6.4 per cent over the same month in 2016.
The Port attributed the import rally to a strong US economy and increasing consumer demand for retail products.
“Our record-setting 2017 has set the stage for the future,” said Port of Oakland maritime director John Driscoll. “With new development projects already underway, we expect to increase our capacity and drive greater volume.”
The Port said it expects Cool Port Oakland – a 280,000 square-foot temperature-controlled distribution centre – to open late this summer.
