Shipping Container Companies Face Backlog Following Big Freeze
Wednesday, 15th December 2010
Shipping Container News
The cold snap and early arrival of snow and ice this year has plunged the U.K into chaos. As with last year London and the Southeast has been affected, seeing some of the worst of the snow. The closure of London Gatwick, City airport and train delays have made front page news. Delays, closures and cancellations within the shipping container industry have also occurred but not as widely reported.The Port of Tilbury and Felixstowe were closed at various times as were many storage and repair depots and terminals. Hauliers too were unable to collect, deliver or unload containers already picked up due to the closures not to mention having vehicles caught up in the traffic jams and road closures caused by the bad weather.
This has all meant that goods being imported in containers for the all important Christmas period have been delayed. Some vessels were turned away from port and the U.K leg of their voyage now cancelled all together. Those goods that have made it to port and not yet delivered still face delays. Warehouses, ports, hauliers and storage depots are all now working to clear a backlog with a brief respite in the weather.
Many people that are looking for containers for sale at the moment and need delivery before Christmas will need to take into account the weather conditions. The best advice will be to liaise closely with the companies selling the container to make sure the releasing depot is open. At your own premises clearing the gate entrance of any snow and ice and perhaps gritting will prevent issues on the day.