An innovative strategy to alleviate congestion on San Francisco Bay freeways, bridges, and cargo-centric arteries by extending nighttime operations was implemented by Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT) two years ago. According to the port, the solution has exceeded all expectations.
More truckers now visit the Port of Oakland at night than at any time in its 91-year history. Oakland’s largest marine terminal noted that it’s conducting between 1,500 and 2,000 daily truck transactions after sundown. That’s up from 800 a year ago.
Jim Rice, General Manager at Oakland International Container Terminal, said, “Night gates have allowed us to operate nine shifts a week with a domino effect: there’s less traffic and congestion and it’s easier for cargo owners to pick up their shipments.”
To cover labor expenses, Oakland International Container Terminal assesses a $30 fee on all container loads for financing night moves.
So far this has not been much of a pain point say some prominent shippers. One telling testimonial was provided by Kevin Bulger, Chief Operating Officer at Apex Maritime, one of the largest cargo shippers in Oakland: “It’s the best $30 I ever spent,” he said.
