The congestion and operation diffuclties experienced at the UK’s main three container ports have moved from bad to worse recently, adding further delays to supply chains that have already been plighted by delays in shipping from Asia.

While we have recently focused on the ever reducing efficiency levels being exprienced at the Port of Felixstowe, the situation at Southampton and London Gateway ports is also raising extreme concerns.

All three ports are experiencing terminal congestion, and with the introduction of covid-19 measures this year, they are contributing to major disruption and misery during the traditionally busy retail season.

During recent times, these issues have contributed to several port omissions, cut-and-runs, vessel schedule disruption and to further pain for container transport, although London Gateway and Southampton could probably point the finger back at Felixstowe’s inefficiencies being the catalyst for the entire situation.

Right now the situation is worsening, and delays in collections and deliveries have become par for the course. This crisis is expected to continue through November, or until there is a let up in the current volume levels, and has led to carriers introducing port congestion surcharges.

Westbound are monitoring and managing this difficult situation to the best of our ability. If you have any concerns regarding the above, then please do not hesitate to contact your Westbound representative for more information.

At Westbound Logistics we pride ourselves in offering personalised and tailored logistics solutions. To find out more please call 01375 800800​ or email [email protected].