into rigid systems, port leaders say they actively adjust operations around harvest schedules, shipping needs and customer feedback. Weekly coordination meetings bring together stevedores, logistics operators and other stakeholders to align shipping windows with agricultural realities. “They were talking about apple harvesting yesterday,” Lange said during the interview. “They want to harvest through Friday, which means they need receiving on Monday. So, we asked, ‘How do we all work together to make that happen?’” That customer-first mentality is something the port sees as a competitive advantage. Building an Export-Focused Future Historically, the Port of Hueneme built much of its reputation around imports, especially refrigerated perishables arriving from Latin America. Now, the port is aggressively focused on expanding exports. Many global shipping systems prioritize imports into the U.S. because carriers often want to quickly return empty containers overseas for refilling. As a result, exporters can sometimes struggle to secure equipment, favorable schedules or reliable vessel access. The Port of Hueneme wants to flip that model. “We want to make the export the head haul,” Lange said. Port leaders are currently working to develop expanded export- focused services, including potential trans-Pacific opportunities tailored specifically around agricultural exporters’ needs. Instead of creating schedules solely around import efficiency, the port is asking growers direct questions: What sailing days work best for harvest timing? What receiving windows support perishables most effectively? How can carriers better support year- round agricultural exports? “The goal is to create a shipping ecosystem where exporters are not treated as secondary considerations, but as primary customers,” Lange said. That matters for commodities ranging from grapes and citrus to proteins, dairy and other refrigerated products requiring highly coordinated logistics. “We want the operational setup of the service to be based on the needs of the exporters,” Lange said. A Port Embedded in Its Community Another element that distinguishes the Port of Hueneme is how closely connected it remains to the surrounding community. Unlike many ports governed through city structures, Hueneme operates as a California special district with elected harbor commissioners chosen directly by local residents. That governance structure, combined with the port’s physical proximity to neighborhoods, creates a different dynamic than many industrial ports. “It’s interwoven into the fabric of the community,” said Miguel Rodriguez, the Port’s Director of Community Relations and Workforce Development. That connection influences everything from operational decisions to community outreach efforts. One example is the port’s annual Banana Festival, which opens the waterfront to the public and celebrates the produce industry with educational exhibits, food vendors and family activities. During the pandemic, when the festival could not be held, the port pivoted to large-scale food distribution efforts called “Feeding
the Front Lines,” delivering fresh produce to families in need throughout the community. For port leaders, those programs reflect a broader responsibility. “We find ways to do food distributions,” Lange said. “We find ways to support the community when communities are in need.” Changing Perceptions One of the biggest misconceptions the port continues trying to correct is that it is part of the Navy. While Navy Base Ventura County shares the same harbor area, the Port of Hueneme is an independent commercial seaport. Still, the unique relationship between the two entities provides operational advantages. During cargo surges, the port can sometimes use Navy berths through joint-use agreements, creating additional flexibility during busy periods. It is yet another example of how Hueneme has built systems around adaptability rather than scale. And as California agriculture continues searching for faster, more resilient export pathways, that flexibility may become increasingly valuable. For growers unfamiliar with the port, Lange hopes the message is simple: “We’re open to explore opportunities,” she said. “If we’re not offering a service yet, it doesn’t mean we’re not willing to build it.” For an industry built on timing, perishability and relationships, that willingness to adapt may ultimately be the Port of Hueneme’s greatest export advantage.
35 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com July – September 2026
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