Shippers in Port of Oakland Survey Voice Approval of “Night Gates”

As noted in today’s news section, the Port of Oakland’s International Container (OICT) – operated by SSA –
introduced Monday-through-Thursday night gates this week for harbor truckers.

The second shift is giving drivers more opportunity to move containerized cargo outside hectic 8-to-5 hours. According to port spokesmen, it's also easing daytime crowding at terminal gates.

“The terminal has extended the workday to improve cargo flow,” said Oakland’s Executive Director Chris Lytle. “It's what our customers and their motor carriers have needed for quite some time.”

In a separate interview, he told SCMR that he was “disappointed” that some shippers were objecting to the additional fee charged for night gates.

“While I understand their concerns,” he said, “I do believe they may be in the minority.”

The Port's Efficiency Task Force, a group of 35 port users, surveyed 1,271 Port customers last month. They found that:
• 78 percent of those responding wanted night gates – not Saturdays – to extend hours for cargo pick-up and delivery;
• 62 percent are already using night gates; and
• Users view nights as a way to beat the crowds on weekdays.

“It's essential to get the user's view of port performance,” said Lanie Moules of Superior Foods, a Port customer and head of the Task Force workgroup on extended gate hours. “Without it, we risk making changes that aren't helpful.”

The port asked customers about a $30-per-container fee being charged to finance extended hours. Forty-seven percent of those responding said a fee of $30 or less was reasonable.

Twenty-nine percent said they wanted no fee. Those supporting a fee said that in return, terminal transaction times should be no more than one hour.

Oakland began experimenting with extended hours three months ago in response to concerns about crowding and cargo delays. By going to a second shift, long lines of trucks waiting at daytime gates have dwindled, the port said. But dayside transaction times inside terminals still remain high, according to the port.

That problem is expected to improve this month thanks to introduction of an appointment system for drivers. Also helpful, night operations now include import pick-ups which should lure more drivers to the second shift. Customers told the port that import pick-ups will be essential to the success of a second shift.

The port financed the start-up of night gates with a $1.5 million subsidy fund. When this fund expired, the Board approved a new $1.7 million subsidy which includes a $200,000 increase to ensure extended gate operation continuity.

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