London Gateway - Stanford-le-Hope

Alexander S.

I find it amusing that there have been so many bomb threats at this port recently.

Surely, if the wannabe terrorists had any knowledge of this port in recent times, they would be aware that by the time the box with the bomb was fished out, it would’ve degraded to the point that it exploded with the same force as a bicycle tyre.

It is normal now to experience huge delays the moment more than a handful of vehicles attend the port. Were it not for my knowledge of the VBS system, it would be entirely reasonable of me to think that DP World were astonished to learn each day that trucks intend to attend the site. I can imagine a shocked Port manager staring wide-eyed at the bridge as trucks stream over before declaring “WHAT ON EARTH ARE THEY DOING HERE?!?!”

Felixstowe may be withering on the vine, but at least I can actually speak to somebody to find out why I’ve been waiting for 2-3 hours to get lifted on/off. Here, you are engaged by an arrogance, one which is so intense that it has not been deemed important to communicate with the plebs, at all. Most of the phones don’t work and of those that do, it appears nobody is on the receiving end when they call. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen and I’ve been tempted to lay on the floor for an hour pretending to be a dying man unable to garner assistance due to the poor communications infrastructure. The only reason I haven’t is that I reason I’d be lying there for several hours before being discovered accidentally, only to be admonished for allowing my hard hat to fall off whilst I had my simulated heart attack.

The only saving grace of this port is that I don’t believe the management ‘hate’ truckers. I just don’t believe they even think of us and our experience of the place. They don’t care for the fact that our working day is already 10+ hours, which can very easily become 15 if you have to use this port more than once in a day. They don’t care that we are forced to urinate in the open because we are kept in lanes for hours with no toilet access anywhere nearby. They don’t care that drivers have to stand outside in the elements once the orange light is on, even though the crane is stuck AGAIN. They don’t care that the amount of marshalls is inadequate. They don’t care that our attendance is imperative to the whole operation. And they don’t care about improving matters.

All of the above I’ve gleaned from the fact I’ve never been asked for my opinion on anything at the port and, to the best of my knowledge, neither has my employer. Neither have either of us had any kind of update explaining what’s being done to improve the service. It’s the typical wall of silence that exemplifies the poverty of professional leadership in the UK. A complete lack of accountability in the upper levels of every organisation and operation. I fully expect Port management to become Conservative electoral candidates at the next election.

Anyways, enough of my rant. Today was a success. I only spent 2 hours getting an empty box taken off and a loaded box lifted on. My expectations have now matched the Port’s standards - both of which are on the floor.

Mihai L.

Could be very faster sometimes but also very slowly most of the times when you have to collect or drop a box!

Darren P.

Empty 40ft container took 2hrs 25 minutes to get tipped today. Sat in the bay while everyone else was getting survived and was just left there no explanation. Used to ok there not anymore.

Mike S. (. 1.

This place is a “state of the art” container port. They provide free training to new drivers collecting and delivering from around the country. For a complicated industry they have it down. The shunters, Marshall’s and even security are often friendly and very helpful. A word of advice though - if you’re a driver, like me, and don’t like reversing into tight bays then do some practise before you leave home!! This is a VERY BUSY port and faffing around doesn’t help other people manoeuvring around you. Follow the rules too as you will be suspended from visiting if you don’t adhere to the safety protocols. Other than that - marvel at the amazing tech they’re using to move containers about!!

Purple F.

Absolute shithole. Worst port in the UK. Hours of waiting time constantly late for deliveries absolute waste of time

Panos M.

I wish I could give 0 stars. This place is horrible. Constantly make you late to the job or customers cancel your booking and you loose the job. Nobody cares about the driver. If you have any problems good luck finding a Marshall and even after you had the luck to find someone, usually rude and no helpful at all. There is a buzzer you suppose to ring if you have any problems but nobody ever answers, what is the point? No toilets around but you can regularly wait around for over 2h no matter what time you go in. It's the newest port in the country but the roads are terrible and worse than any other port. I can go on and on about this place but unfortunately nobody cares and nothing will ever change. For everyone that has to deal with this place regularly like me I really feel for you. Good luck every time you are in

Manoj P.

My container hold by port Health and asking for paper work when it’s all done they decided to open and get sample of the product getting our sample 2 week waiting after get sample when we ask when you release container they said wait 5 working day for result to come , how they are slow 5 working day for result? It’s almost 24 day now still no result they are trying to kill small businesses do not use this port otherwise you will get killed and no money for paying charges, when asked give complain contact number not provide where small business stand for justice?
total rip-off

Richard F.

Container swap. Arrived 1300hrs. 35 minutes to get export container off. Waited another 35 minutes in another slot, crane arrives and misses the twist-locks. Another 10 mins to reposition the box correctly. Once the box is on the box door locks are clearly damaged and doors unable to be opened. The place is a complete mess. If you can avoid coming here do so. It's truly awful.
Forgot to mention the port roads resemble the lunar surface. I hope the Global head office at DPW read this. Your service is shocking.