DP World Southampton have launched a programme to encourage cargo owners to move their import containers from port to door using rail instead of road. They call it the Modal Shift Programme (MSP), and it works by offering an incentive of £70 per container where the container movement to railhead meets the strict requirements of the programme. To pay for this, they will charge £10 per import container on every container, and rebate £70 if the container gets delivered via a railhead within 140 miles of the port. The programme is designed to reduce the amount of carbon emissions caused by the supply chain by using a modal shift from road freight to a more environmentally sustainable alternative.
This programme was introduced on 1st September, although we were only made aware of this in October. The import fee of £10 per container is debited to the nominated clearing agent. We will take the cost of any container movements completed in September, however from 1st October we have no alternative than to pass these additional port charges back to our customers. We will be adding £10 to the current Green Energy Levy charges, and calling the new combined charge Port Environmental Surcharge.
If you wish to read more on this, please click the link below to DP World’s news page, which was posted on 4th September.
