The Port of Oakland has announced that it will establish and operate a large off-terminal container yard to ease congestion and expedite both delivery of inbound containers and loading of export cargos.  Traditionally the Port of Oakland has maintained an even balance between imports and exports.  This was disrupted by the surge in imports from Asia necessitating modification to handling of inbound and outbound containers and requiring additional space and equipment.

State transportation officials and the Department of Food and Agriculture have pressured management of ports and shipping companies to expedite export capability from Oakland to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent with special reference to agricultural products.