Southampton doing a Felixstowe
The freight forwarder Westbound Logistics has pointed out that congestion and delays in the port of Southampton have been exacerbated recently. "We’re witnessing similar issues to those we’ve been experiencing in Felixstowe." All the main UK container ports have experienced delays of late, but Felixstowe has been particularly challenging, contributing to delivery delays of up to two weeks.
Similar problems have now started occurring in Southampton, including severe congestion, empty containers being refused and no VBS transport booking slots available. In the past week there has additionally been weather closures, due to fog, a shut-down in customs software, vessel delays and the emergence of a restitution issue. This has resulted in failed deliveries, further transport backlogs from the port and more price increases for urgently-required deliveries.
The fact that Southampton has been overwhelmed is partially also due to a clamour to divert consignments from Felixstowe. (cd)
www.westboundglobal.com
www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk
www.abports.co.uk