Demonstrators from the "Occupy Oakland" movement play music while blocking an entrance to the Port of Oakland in Oakland, California Nov 2, 2011. Demonstrators on Wednesday shut down operations at the Port of Oakland, one of the largest container ports in the United States, in protests against economic inequality and corporate greed. Thousands of protesters blocked a major Oakland streets in what they called a general strike against economic conditions and police brutality, but fell short of their stated aim of paralyzing the northern California city. [Photo/Agencies]

OAKLAND, California - Demonstrators on Wednesday shut down operations at the Port of Oakland, one of the largest container ports in the United States, in protests against economic inequality and corporate greed.

Thousands of protesters blocked a major Oakland streets in what they called a general strike against economic conditions and police brutality, but fell short of their stated aim of paralyzing the Northern California city.

Business in Oakland appeared to be largely normal, with most stores and businesses remaining open and workers going to their jobs. The Occupy Oakland movement did succeed in shutting down the container port, which handles some $39 billion a year in imports and exports.

"At this time, maritime operations are effectively shut down at the Port of Oakland. Maritime area operations will resume when it is safe and secure to do so," the port said in a written statement to Reuters.

Protesters gathered at the port gates, stood on top of container trucks stranded in the street and climbed scaffolding as a band played Led Zeppelin's song "Whole Lotta Love" amplified by speakers.

Oakland was catapulted to the forefront of the national anti-Wall Street protest movement after a former Marine was badly wounded during a march and rally last week.

The protesters, who complain about a financial system they believe mainly benefits corporations and the wealthy, had aimed to disrupt Oakland commerce on Wednesday, with a special focus on banks and other symbols of corporate America.

"A lot of the small businesses actually have closed," organizer Cat Brooks said of the strike's effectiveness. "A lot of the food places and other things, we appreciate them staying open (to feed protesters)."