UK-European Trucking Advisory: Disruption update

The P&O ferry services first suspended in week 11 are still not operational. Added to this, two DFDS vessels were grounded, resulting in thousands of lorries queuing around Dover this week. 

Capacity is stretched, and truckers are incurring parking fees as freight lorries are held on the M20 until sailings become available.

The waiting time in Dover, Calais and surrounding areas is up to 10 hours now depending on vehicle location, causing potential delay to shipments already in transit. Potential further disruption is expected on future bookings this week. 

We will keep you updated as the situation develops.

Meanwhile, the ongoing strikes by Spanish truckers continue to cause serious delays, port blockages and backlogs. 

While noises are being made at national level that the strike has been temporarily suspended, the BILBAO drivers and haulage providers remain on strike, blocking the Port of Bilbao, which services direct container departures both to/from Ireland and the UK.

Congestion and a backlog of containers and shipments, both at ports and depots, is the result with improvements not expected for a few weeks to come.

Emergency Trailer/Road Serviced Options for general groupage are a possible alternative solution - please contact us to discuss.

For more information on UK-European transport solutions, please contact us here.