Northern California's Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The Sacramento River flows into the delta from the north and the San Joaquin River from the south through Stockton. Map show how far inland the Port of Stockton is.Map showing the Port of Stockton on the San Joaquin River
The Port of Stockton connects local and regional economies with global markets by providing world-class port infrastructure and services and creating opportunities that foster economic development and job growth.
Vision
Our vision at the Port of Stockton is to be a dynamic economic catalyst for the region, and a sustainable hub of growth and innovation. We envision a thriving Port where global commerce and opportunity intersect. Through community partnerships, environmental initiatives, and financial transparency, we aim to ensure a prosperous future for all stakeholders.
Core Values
Integrity - We conduct ourselves with the highest level of honesty, transparency, and ethical standards.
Safety - We value the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the community.
Collaboration - We work in partnership with our employees, customers, and community fostering trust, open communication, and respect.
Accountability - We are responsible for our actions, behaviors, performance, and decisions.
Sustainability - We operate in a manner that protects the environment and reduces the Port’s environmental impact.
Positive Culture - We support our team through a positive work environment, by encouraging staff development and growth, and promoting communication, inclusion, and creativity.
Geography
The only natural outlet for the waters of the Central Valley to pass into the sea is through the narrow Carquinez Strait, at the inland eastern extreme of San Pablo Bay. Further inland are the Suisun and Grizzly Bays, arms of the Pacific Ocean deep in the Californian interior. Further inland again from these last bays is the broad Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, formed where the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers meet and cross together. This verdant triangle of land with deep black soils is at the heart of the Central Valley and stretches some fifty miles from Suisun Bay on the west to the cities of Stockton and Sacramento on the east. The Port of Stockton is the 2nd largest port in the State of California with 4,200 acres.
Pollution
As a center of transport and commerce in a densely populated city, the Port of Stockton is conscientious about Port-related emissions that may impact local air quality and climate change. In 2024, the Port successfully undertook several efforts to reduce emissions and enhance planning efforts to transition to a cleaner, greener future - while ensuring cargo moves efficiently. The Port of Stockton has launched an ambitious effort to one day eliminate Port-related emissions entirely, and in the meantime, to significantly reduce impacts on neighbors. Efforts include a Clean Air Plan, a Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Electrification Blueprint, and Truck Access Analysis.
History
Stockton, California circa 1860
In 1846, the first cargo boat ascended the San Joaquin River. In 1848, John Doak established the first ferry service on the river, and the first freight vessel, the sloop Maria, visited Stockton. In 1849, Doak brought lumber from San Francisco to Stockton and began a lumber business. By the 1850s, the port had become a center of commodity shipping and the supply center for the California goldfields. By the 1860s, the region saw a decline in gold production and an increase in agriculture.
The first dredging contracts for the Stockton Deepwater Channel were awarded in 1930. The Port District officially opened on February 2, 1933, when the ship Daisy Grey arrived bringing lumber from Oregon.
During World War II, when an attack on coastal California seemed likely, the U.S. War Department requested some ships be built at an inland port, so many new ships were built at the Port of Stockton area.[4][5]
Port management recognized the increasing importance of containerized cargo and upgraded dock side facilities. The ship channel was improved in order to accommodate large Panamax class ships.
The Navy Rough and Ready Island Naval Supply Depot built during World War II was phased out of use as a result of special federal legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in 1995. It was transferred to the port between 2000 and 2003. This area of the port is now known as the "West Complex".[6]
Port services
Port of Stockton worker moving a containerCalifornia's Green Trade Corridor Marine Highway project to Port of StocktonStockton Deep Water Shipping Channel
The deepwater channel is authorized to 35 feet (11 meters) deep with an air draft limit of 132 feet (40 meters), handling vessels with a maximum LOA of 750 feet (228 meters) and a maximum beam of 106 feet (33 meters). Dockside transit sheds of up to 1.1million square feet (100thousand square metres). Warehouse storage of up to 7.7million square feet (720thousand square metres).
The Port has 2,000 operational acres (810 hectares) with 15 berths and 2 miles of waterfront (3,200 meters). Additionally, the Port has 2,200 acres (890 hectares) of undeveloped land upriver.
The port handles both large volume of bulk cargo and breakbulk cargo shipments. It is the 4th busiest port in the State of California in relation to vessel calls.
The port is part of the California’s Green Trade Corridor Marine Highway project, as ships move cargo much greener than trucks and trains. Green Trade Corridor Marine Highway (ports of Oakland-Stockton-West Sacramento) can improve goods movement through Northern California.[9]
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