The importance of sea freight in UK logistics cannot be overstated, particularly as challenges at the Port of Dover continue with a growing volume of road transport passing through it. One standout example of sea freight being considered to avoid this haulage congestion is the LCL (less than container load) container service for freight destined for the UK from Istanbul, Türkiye.
Weekly LCL services from Istanbul to the Port of Felixstowe offer transit times comparable to those of road freight. From port to port, the journey takes 12 days, while door-to-door delivery can take just 23-24 days. Not only does sea freight offer reliable transit times, but it also provides significant cost savings.
The viability of short sea LCL container services as a solution to congestion at the Port of Dover has some compelling evidence. Here are some key insights:
- Dover Congestion: With 2 million freight vehicles travelling annually through the Port of Dover, it quickly becomes bottlenecked, causing congestion and delays to cargo deliveries.
- Busiest Isn’t Best: As the UK’s busiest international port, the Port of Dover handles more lorries than all other UK ports, it is easy to see how congestion can build so quickly.
- Tourist Jams: As a key gateway for 1.3 million international tourists travelling between Europe and the UK each year, traffic jams exiting the Port of Dover are common, stopping goods arriving on time.
- Security Concerns: Road freight vehicles are frequently broken into by those wanting to seek refugee illegally in the UK, which slows transit and often damages goods as well as the transit vehicle.
Choosing sea LCL container services between Istanbul and the Port of Felixstowe over road freight entering via the Port of Dover offers a range of benefits, including;
- Cost Efficiency: Sea freight often incurs lower costs compared to road transport, providing shippers with a more economical option.
- Reliability and Predictability: Fixed transit times ensure consistent and dependable delivery schedules, crucial for planning and logistics.
- Enhanced Cargo Safety: Sea freight generally involves fewer handling stages compared to road transport, reducing the risk of damage or loss.
- Environmental Benefits: Sea freight is a more sustainable option, producing lower carbon emissions than road transport.
- Scheduled Deliveries: Short sea services offer fixed schedules, enhancing reliability and allowing for better planning.
A shift towards sea freight and LCL container services represents a strategic adaptation to current logistical challenges. By providing cost savings, reliable transit times, and environmental benefits, sea freight is set to play an increasingly critical role in UK imports. As the marketplace continues to evolve, embracing these alternative transport modes will be essential for maintaining efficiency and resilience in supply chains. To find out more about alternative modes of importing from Türkiye to UK such as LCL shipments by sea click here to learn more.
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