Port of Felixstowe has closed its gates to receiving empty containers from a number of the big shipping lines including Maersk, CMA CGM and Evergreen. Bans on empty restitutions at the UK’s largest container port from other major shipping lines could also be imminent.

The situation has arisen in part, unsurprisingly, as a result of the much-publicised HGV driver shortage in the UK, which is leading to rapidly increasing container dwell times at the Suffolk port. Restricting the number of inbound empty containers is a measure designed to combat rising port congestion, which poses a serious threat to normal port operations.

Felixstowe is by no means alone in experiencing port congestion woes, with all major container ports in the UK and across Northern Europe are experiencing similar problems.

As a result of Felixstowe’s decision, Uniserve is having to redirect empty containers from affected shipping lines to alternative ports. Given the existing challenges that exist within UK freight transport and the potential for further changes to restitution points (beyond our control), we would ask customers for a certain amount of patience as we process redirects.

Uniserve will advise as and when the situation changes, but customers should contact their Customer Development Manager for updates or to discuss any concerns.

For more information, please email  crmteam@ugroup.co.uk

PLEASE FOLLOW US