The Container Booking System (CBS) replaced the Vehicle Booking System (VBS) in Felixstowe on Monday 15th July. VBS was introduced in 2007, whereby a certain number of appointments were released every hour to prevent congestion.
With the VBS, hauliers could change their container details on a booking until it was applied for – meaning that late clearances and releases could be mitigated by using a placeholder on the booking until your container was ready.
Under the new CBS, there is still an allocation per hour, but there is also the introduction of a Late Notification Period (LNP). The LNP currently applies to import containers only, and begins 12 hours before the start of the booking. Placeholders can still be used to secure CBS slots, but must be removed by 12 hours before the booking begins.
The “load and go” feature from the VBS is still available with the CBS. This is where a container is not customs cleared or landed at the time of booking, but you can check a box which allows you to notify this will be ok by the time of the booking. Note that this feature is only available for bookings between 23:00-08:59.
The Port of Felixstowe has suggested that there will be an additional charge for “load and go” bookings in phase two of the Container Booking System.
Note that “shunters”, who take containers from the port to warehouses or depots, are exempt from the late notification period due to the nature of their operation.
However, shipments may still be affected if hauliers use warehouses or depots due to CBS’ implications on their overspill capacity. Often, these premises use “regular” hauliers to help with containers, who may now need to charge more to cover the LNP or as an admin fee to cover contesting the fees are for shunts with the port.
The RHA met with representatives of FPUA (Felixstowe Port Users’ Association), BIFA and representatives from the Port of Felixstowe this week.
One of the key matters discussed was the introduction of the Port of Felixstowe’s new Container Booking System (CBS.)
Commenting on the meeting, RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said: “At the meeting, a number of operators expressed concerns regarding the operational challenges they’ve faced to date when delivering and picking up goods from the port since the introduction of the trial period for the new booking system.
“Concern was expressed too that there’s been a lack of clarity from the port regarding the changes, with some operators feeling they’re going to pay a price for circumstances beyond their immediate control – such as congestion and delays.
If current plans for the new system proceed unchanged, there could be considerable additional costs for many hauliers.”
RHA members and the logistics industry contribute billions to the UK economy each year and play a critical role locally and nationally in creating jobs and keeping the supply-chain moving. The Port of Felixstowe is also critical to the economy.
Richard added: “We want to collaborate with the port and with others across our sector to make things work and keep things running smoothly.
“Our thanks to Hutchenson Ports for attending the meeting and listening to our members concerns. We welcome the fact that there’s now a commitment to review the system and we’ll continue to engage with the port on behalf of our members and the industry.
“We urge the port to ensure that all feedback and learnings during the trial period will be considered before the system is fully rolled-out.”
The next meeting is scheduled for the 4th September.
