For a crane operator sitting in a small crane cabin, far above ground and a long way from the containers, the ability to operate the crane with speed, precision and consistency is almost impossible.

That's important since the crane team of operators – and there are 12 on the port roster – usually arrive at 6 a.m. and seldom leave before 6 p.m. In a typical week, 15 hours of overtime is ...

Sitting in a rattling cage 110 feet up in the air is all part of the job description of a container crane operator at the Port of Oakland.