- Import dwell: 4.8 days, vs. 3.7 days in late May (+1.1 days)
- Reefer staging utilization: above 85% at two terminals, vs. ~65% baseline
- Agricultural export bookings tied to early stone fruit and cherry season competing for chassis and yard slots
- Plug availability expected to tighten further into next week per terminal operators
| Dwell Tier | Days | Drayage Scheduling Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 2.5 - 3.5 | Standard same/next-day pickup |
| Elevated | 3.6 - 4.5 | 0.5-1 day buffer recommended |
| Congested | 4.6+ | 1+ day buffer, confirm chassis before dispatch |
Yard data calibrated against independent field data and on-ground terminal telemetry shows the dwell increase tracks closely with the seasonal reefer export build. Terminal operators report reefer export bookings tied to the early stone fruit and cherry season are occupying plug space and yard positions that would otherwise turn over import boxes faster.
Why is import dwell at Oakland rising now?
Agricultural export bookings are competing for chassis and yard slots alongside import discharge volumes. The two factors compound because reefer export containers occupy plug positions for longer cycles than dry import boxes, reducing the rate at which yard space turns over.
How long is the reefer staging pressure expected to last?
Terminal operators indicate plug availability is expected to tighten further into next week as the stone fruit and cherry season ramps. Dwell times are unlikely to ease meaningfully until export volume normalizes, which typically occurs as the season progresses past its peak intake weeks.
What Shippers Should Do
- Add a one-day buffer to drayage scheduling for import containers moving through Oakland through late June.
- Confirm chassis availability before dispatching drivers, given the dwell tier is now in the "Congested" range.
- Exporters with reefer bookings should confirm cutoff times early, since plug availability is tightening.
- Track terminal-specific dwell figures rather than port-wide averages, as the two terminals with elevated reefer staging are driving most of the increase.