The Port of Oakland continues to reign supreme in the refrigerated export game, with its TEU volume outpacing all American contenders for the seventh year. According to a press release from the Port of Oakland, this commercial hub hit a jackpot with $7.1 billion in reefer exports last year, showcasing its unrelenting grip on the trade.

It seems that Oakland's secret sauce has been the strategic investments in cutting-edge, temperature-controlled facilities like Cool Port, PCC Logistics, and Custom Goods; these have provided the necessary hook to keep the reefer export business on the line and flourishing, Bryan Brandes, the Port's Maritime Director, shed some light on this development boasting about the additions that have edged out competition and kept business booming. The Port's choice location on the US West Coast also makes it the last domestic pitstop for ships bound for Asia, which keeps the exports - especially foodstuff - fresher when they hit foreign shores.

While the rest of the nation's ports witnessed a chilling 20% dip in the temp-sensitive export trade, Oakland's numbers heated up with a 4% growth spurt in 2023. That's not just a few more boxes on the boat; it’s an elevated market share rocketing from 14.2% to 18.3%, according to their recent numbers call.

From succulent beef and pork to luscious fruits, dairy products, and vegetables, all these top-shelf reefer goods have etched Oakland’s name at the top of the food chain, with Asia as a key consumer. With these commodities in tow, it’s a full-course menu on the move as this port continues to serve as the premier export turnstile for all things chilled and perishable.