Dive Brief:

• A new logistics center at the Port of Oakland has gained initial approval from the port's board of commissioners, according to a press release. The site for the center is a former Army supply depot located beside the port.
• The project has been under consideration for 15 years, and will be staffed by Oakland locals, particularly those in need, including "disadvantaged residents including the chronically unemployed, single parents, formerly incarcerated and military veterans." If final approval is granted on November 30, construction plans will go forward.
• The complex, developed by CenterPoint Properties, will ultimately house modern distribution centers including a railyard located near the port's marine terminals. Building on the 440,000 square foot logistics center should start in early 2018, and will cost roughly $52 million dollars.

Dive Insight:

While most ports are currently focused on depth expansion, the Port of Oakland is expanding on dry land.

Ports may seem to serve a single purpose, but in reality, they act as the locus between inland and ocean transportation, which often includes using nearby real estate as storage for goods between delivery and pick up. In some states, they are also seen as key employers for area residents.

Now, the Port of Oakland will be doing all three and more with the likely addition of the Seaport Logistics Complex. "The Port’s vision is to be the preferred gateway for containerized trade," Mike Zampa, communications director for the Port of Oakland told Supply Chain Dive.

Innovating by adding a distribution center adds value, and further distinguishes the Port of Oakland as a desirable entry point. "With its new Seaport Logistics Complex we believe shippers will find competitive advantage in shipping through Oakland. The Complex will make supply chains faster, more efficient and less expensive," said Zampa.