After a year of throughput increases, the Port of Oakland saw cargo volumes fall last month, according to new numbers released Wednesday.
Oakland saw 3.5% less cargo in July from the same time a year ago, while imports last month dropped 1.7% and exports fell 4.7% year over year, according to port data.
Officials at Northern California’s largest port say the declines were due record cargo felt in the first part of 2021, adding that the surge in shipments held up on docks resulted in some delivery delays. To adjust, some shipping lines dropped some voyages to Oakland, which led to decreased volumes.
“Vessel berths and container yards were crowded with some shipping lines bypassing Oakland,” port Maritime Director Bryan Brandes said. “We’re working through those issues and preparing for a busy peak season ahead.”
Still, the port has seen year-to-date imports up 16% and total volumes up 9% and the port anticipates cargo numbers to rebound in the coming month with the start of peak shipping season, which traditionally starts in August.
