The main direct deep seaports such as Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton have for many years operated a Vehicle Booking System (VBS).
Previously to this, vehicles would just turn up at any time and go into a queue system. The problem with the old system is that majority of vehicles would arrive at the port mid-afternoon and the ports would be gridlocked and take many hours to load vehicles.
The VBS system was introduced to allow only so many booking slots per hour, reducing congestion and waiting time for drivers. Most hauliers employ shunter drivers which allows them to shunt a certain percentage of their containers from port to depot outside of peak times. Some containers however are still loaded by the final driver direct from the port, but if they are delayed in this process, it can have a knock-on effect to the customers delivery time the next day.
Under VBS, the haulier makes an on-line booking, it does allow for some flexibility in vehicle registration and container number, so the haulier can make changes if vehicles are delayed, or containers aren’t available.
Because of limited slots per hour, the hauliers often pay for a guaranteed slot, this is charged by the port to the haulier.
If a vehicle misses a booking, then the haulier will have a penalty charge from the port to pay.
All three ports are now introducing a new system called Container Booking System (CBS), which will have a huge impact on the way we plan our haulage bookings.
The idea of a CBS system is for the port to be more efficient, moving containers before the vehicles arrive (where possible), which allows for less congestion and a faster turnaround time. There are consequences for the hauliers however, it is more expensive per initial booking slot, changes are more difficult and costly, and again more resource will be needed to monitor and make changes.
With effect from 1st February 2025, we will be faced with increased costs from the port/hauliers, unfortunately these charges will need to be passed onto our customers in the form of a Port Booking Fee. We will monitor the impact of these changes and make any necessary amendments to the fee after the first three months.
If you require any further information on this system/process, please ask your daily contact at Global Containers.
