The Port of Oakland handled 174,239 TEU in November, down 4.1 per cent year on year and 4.7 per cent from October, reflecting seasonal weakness and shifting global shipping patterns, reports American Shipper.

The northern California port said the decline was typical for the season and tied to carrier schedule changes, blankings and consolidations that have diverted vessels to Canadian ports Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

Oakland's loaded exports rose 3.3 per cent year on year and four per cent from October to 68,824 TEU, driven by agricultural and refrigerated shipments. Imports fell 9.3 per cent year on year and 11.1 per cent from October to 73,092 TEU on weaker transpacific demand.

Maritime drector Bryan Brandes said export strength remains a key driver, with efficient terminal operations supporting balanced flows and reliable service. Total loaded volumes reached 141,915 TEU, down 3.6 per cent year on year but steady from October.

Empty container volumes fell 6.4 per cent year on year to 32,324 TEU, which the port attributed to carrier equipment repositioning. Vessel calls dropped 8.4 per cent year on year to 76, and 11.6 per cent from October, as carriers consolidated services and deployed larger ships.