CONTAINERISED imports through the Port of Oakland increased 15 per cent in August year on year to 82,492 TEU, the biggest throughput since March when the import rally began, say port authorities.

It was the sixth consecutive month of gains ahead of the traditional late summer surge. "We're building momentum before the peak," said maritime director John Driscoll. 

"It's an indication that the season could be a good one; but more important, it's a sign that customers are counting on the Port of Oakland to deliver," he said.

Overall container volume in August - imports, exports and empties - was up six per cent. But year-to-date volume was down 4.8 per cent. Yet that was a recovery from double-digit volume declines in winter. 

Imports have led Oakland's volume rebound and has been continuous since the February 20 with the settlement of the west coast waterfront labour dispute. 

The port said an increase in longshore labour has helped absorb volume growth. About 150 more dockers are being deployed at Oakland's five marine terminals. With added labour, the port said it has cleared a summer backlog of ships waiting to berth.