How can I get more information on the Port of Oakland?
Contact us via email or call the Maritime Division's automated help line at (510) 627-1461. The Maritime Division publishes a comprehensive Facility Map, a national Rail Map, Intermodel Fact Sheet, the Port of Oakland Maritime Directory, and Truckers Guide. You can order these online, all available free of charge.

How do I ship my car or household goods?
You may contact an ocean carrier directly or you may work with a Freight Forwarder who can assist you. Matson (www.matson.com) and Horizon Lines (www.horizon-lines.com) specialize in the Hawaiian trade lane.

How can I find a Freight Forwarder, Customshouse Broker, Trucker, or Warehouse in the Bay Area?
Call the Customshouse Brokers and Freight Forwarder's Association of Northern California at (510) 536-2233. For a detailed list of contacts please refer to the Service Directory.

How can I learn more about expanding an import/export business?
Contact the Bay Area World Trade Center at (510) 251-5900.

Where can I buy a used cargo container?
Check the Yellow Pages under "Cargo & Freight Containers."

Do the freighters carry passengers?
Usually no. The sailing schedules are very tight, and ship's accommodations are not designed for passenger travel.

What is the maximum weight of cargo I can load in a container?
The maximum allowable weight on California's public roads is 80,000 lbs. gross which includes the cargo, container, chassis, truck and so on. However, on designated "Heavyweight" roadways within the Port area specially licensed trucks may weigh up to 95,000 lbs.

How can I find out what time and where a specific ship will arrive?
You may contact the ocean carrier directly, or the Marine Exchange at (415) 441-6600.

I have cargo coming in, but I'm not sure when or where to pick it up? What should I do?
Review any documentation you have received which might indicate which ocean carrier transported your cargo. Call them as soon as possible. If you are still unable to locate your cargo, call the Port of Oakland's automated service line at (510) 627-1461 and request assistance.

How can I find vessel arrivals and departures?
Vessel arrivals and departures are available from a number of sources.
For pro forma schedules updated weekly you may want to check the web
sites of the appropriate steamship carrier(s) or consider a subscription
to either the Pacific Shipper (www.pacificshipper.com) or the Journal of
Commerce (www.joc.com).

For information of particular vessel arrivals or departures, please contact the San Francisco Marine Exchange at (415) 441-6600 or www.sfmx.org.

I'm still not sure what to do, who can answer other questions?
Port of Oakland staff will assist you if possible. To start this process please send us an email or call our automated service line at (510) 627-1461.