The Port of Oakland saw its overall cargo volumes in November fall by double digits year over year, according to data released by the port Dec. 28.
The Northern California seaport processed 131,929 loaded TEUs overall, a 15% drop when comparing this past November to November 2021.
Full imports in November 2022 tumbled by 17.4% year over year with 68,646 TEUs, while exports dipped by 12.3% to 63,283 TEUs.
Meanwhile, empty containers soared 75.6% in November compared to the same time the previous year.
The port is attributing the softening numbers to weakened demand, declining ocean rates, continued canceled sailings and delays in the introduction of new services.
This has led to shorter waiting time for berths earlier this year and less time ships are spending at Oakland facilities, the port said, adding that terminal yards are starting to see extra containers leaving their yards.
The decline is not unexpected, Port Maritime Director Bryan Brandes said.
“Despite October gains, long-term indicators continue to predict a decline in demand for goods,” he remarked. “The good news is that the reduction of incoming containers has allowed us to begin alleviating congestion at port facilities, increasing efficiencies in port operations.”
More information on Oakland container volumes is available at https://www.oaklandseaport.com/performance/facts-figures/.
