THE BOTTOM LINE BLOG / Port of Oakland vows to 'improve cargo flow’

Federal mediation called for in port dispute including Oakland

By Andrew S Ross on December 22, 2014 4:23 PM

This just in from the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents shipowners in contract talks with the ILWU:

“Outside intervention is necessary to bring the talks to conclusion, particularly given the ongoing impact of ILWU work slowdowns, which have disrupted cargo movement at the major West Coast ports of Tacoma, Seattle, Oakland, Los Angeles and Long Beach.”

The PMA issued the statement this afternoon, saying essentially talks were going nowhere.

“After seven months of negotiations, we remain far apart on many issues,” said PMA spokesman Wade Gates. “At the same time, the union continues its slowdowns, walk-offs and other actions that are having impacts on shippers, truck drivers and other local workers — with no end in sight.”

This doesn’t sound great for the Port of Oakland and other U.S. West Coast ports facing growing sentiment among shipping lines to route cargo elsewhere.

Awaiting a response from the ILWU. Will update post as soon as I get it.

Update: The ILWU said it will not be issuing a statement until tomorrow.

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Port of Oakland vows to 'improve cargo flow’

By Andrew S Ross on December 22, 2014 11:11 AM

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Responding to severe congestion that has hampered West Coast ports, the Port of Oakland said Monday morning it is taking more measures “in an ongoing effort to manage container ships arriving with unprecedented frequency in San Francisco Bay.”

Severe congestion at the Port of Oakland and other West Coast ports was the subject of a Saturday column in The Chronicle and on SFGate.

Chronicle/Brant Ward

“Operations have been hampered by off-schedule ships and recent labor-management disputes on the docks. The result has been a slowdown in cargo movement and long lines of trucks waiting to enter terminals,” the port statement. ”In the last three days alone, 13 ships called in Oakland, most well behind schedule,” it said.

The measures include opening a Sunday gate at the most congested terminal, Ports America Outer Harbor, and daily updates “sent to hundreds of harbor truckers, ocean carriers and shippers to improve supply chain planning.”

“We welcome increased cargo volume at Oakland and we’ve got to do a better job of managing the flow,” said Port maritime director John Driscoll. ”We’re working every day with the marine terminals, truck drivers and shippers to pick up the pace.”

Port of Oakland press release here.