The Port of Oakland this week reported a record-setting finish to the peak shipping season. The Port said it handled the equivalent of 76,706 20-foot import containers last month. It was the busiest October for imports in Oakland history and followed a similar record performance in September.
The cargo rush signaled a successful conclusion to the traditional summer-autumn peak season, the Port said. That’s the time of year when U.S. retailers stock shelves with overseas merchandise for the holidays.
Industry analysts and Port officials attributed import growth to a strong economy that has spurred consumer demand. The Port said its numbers topped even those from 2005-06 when international container trade reached its zenith.