DP World has officially opened a £20 million driver welfare facility at its Southampton container terminal and logistics hub, marking a major investment in both driver support and low-carbon logistics.
The new 24,000 sq. m facility, operated by Cartland Truck Stop, took two years to complete and provides drivers with a range of modern amenities, including a restaurant, café, bathrooms, showers, and more than 130 secure parking spaces. Dedicated service bays for vehicles further enhance the site’s offering.
Modelled on the successful Hireco Truck Park at DP World’s London Gateway Logistics Park, the Southampton facility also integrates sustainability features. Two twin EV charging points are capable of fully charging an electric HGV in just 1.5 to two hours, supporting the UK’s transition towards greener freight transport.
A newly developed pre-gate entry system has also been introduced, designed to cut waiting times, improve traffic flow and ease congestion in the local community—factors that proved crucial in securing approval from Southampton City Council.
The launch builds on DP World’s wider decarbonisation strategy, following the recent introduction of its Low Carbon Truck Programme across Southampton and London Gateway. This two-year initiative gives participating hauliers access to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) at the same price as diesel, incentivising the uptake of low-carbon alternatives in UK road freight.
Ernst Schulze, DP World Ports & Terminals Lead for Northern Europe, commented: “This £20m investment is a clear statement of our commitment to drivers, who are a vital part of the UK supply chain.
By providing modern, secure, and comfortable facilities alongside cutting-edge EV charging, we are working to future-proof UK logistics while ensuring the people who keep trade moving are well looked after.”
With the new facility, DP World continues to strengthen its role in supporting sustainable logistics and enhancing the welfare of HGV drivers across the UK.
