Sacramento and Oakland could move closer together

The Port of Oakland has begun discussions with the Port of Sacramento that could lead to barging operations between the two northern California ports.

Oakland is the fourth busiest container port in the U.S., with no indication of a slowdown in volume. John Protopappas, chair of the Port of Oakland's Commercial Real Estate Committee, notes, "As a part of our overall maritime and goods movement and logistics analysis, we are looking at all possible alternatives and operational locations that might improve our efficiency and increase our capacity. The Port of Sacramento provides the opportunity for a satellite port that could improve goods movement in the state as well as improve distribution of cargo destined for America's heartland."

For the Port of Sacramento, such a strategic partnership would serve to add hundreds of jobs while creating economic stability in the area. For the Port of Oakland, the alliance could serve to help improve air quality and relieve a degree of congestion from trucks moving into and out of the Bay Area.