Container gateway · United States
Port of Oakland
Oakland is a container gateway on the Pacific Ocean in United States (North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- United States
- UN/LOCODE
- USOAK
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific
- Waters
- Pacific Ocean
- Coordinates
- 37.80°N, 122.32°W
- Container throughput
- ≈ 2.1 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 6,860 nm
About the port of Oakland
Oakland is the main container port of Northern California, serving the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, including large agricultural export flows.
Oakland is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Oakland handled approximately 2.1 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
The transpacific trade to the US West Coast, Canada and Mexico’s Pacific ports is one of Vietnam’s largest export lanes, with many direct services from Cai Mep and some from Lach Huyen.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Oakland | 6,860 | 17–20 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the United States, the Importer Security Filing (ISF “10+2”) and the carrier’s AMS manifest must be filed before loading in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about Oakland
Where is the port of Oakland?
Oakland is in United States, on the Pacific Ocean, in the North America – West Coast & Mexico Pacific shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Oakland?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Oakland is USOAK. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Oakland?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 6,860 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 17–20 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Oakland?
According to published rankings, Oakland handled approximately 2.1 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Oakland?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Oakland?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Oakland through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.