PORT DELAYS UPDATE – VBS
September 15, 2020
Following on from our notice yesterday regarding the delays at the Port due to a lack of VBS slots, we have been receiving further news today from multiple third parties highlighting more of the serious issues that are currently being faced.
- There is a remarkably high level of empty containers at the Port of Felixstowe and London Gateway, which has lead to a serious amount of yard congestion.
- Felixstowe and Gateway Ports have advised that from 0700 hrs tomorrow (17/09) they will no longer accept the return of empty containers. Therefore, hauliers will be asked to deliver these back to alternative ports and depots which is likely to result in diversion fees, and potential detention charges.
- In addition to the above, there is still the issue of the serious lack of VBS slots for hauliers as per our previous notice. We have been notified today that there are now no VBS slots on the main Felixstowe terminal until late Friday night. Although the Port of Felixstowe have informed that no booking slots have been taken away and are actively adding more slots, there is still of course a serious lack of availability.
As a consequence of the above, it is highly likely that additional charges will be incurred as hauliers are likely to look for diversion fees in addition to any demurrage/detention charges which may be applied by the carriers. It is with great regret that we would have no alternative other than to pass on any additional costs incurred on, although we will do our best to minimalise these where possible.
As you can appreciate, this situation is extremely fluid and we will provide further updates in due course.
You will of course be notified if any of your bookings with us are affected in any way, however, if you do have any queries or concerns in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact the team.
