Customers arranging container collections from Felixstowe should prepare for potential delays following reports of limited Vehicle Booking System (VBS) availability. Weather warnings reported for the coming days could place further pressure on collection schedules.
An operational update received by Beckchoice also advises of a weather warning affecting London Gateway on Friday, creating the possibility of disruption at both ports.
What is happening at Felixstowe?
Felixstowe has reduced the number of VBS slots being released to prioritise vessel operations and support the unloading of ships.
With fewer appointments available and high demand for collections, hauliers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure suitable slots.
VBS is the port’s appointment system for hauliers delivering or collecting containers. Limited availability can therefore affect when a container can leave the port and reach its delivery destination.
How could the weather affect collections?
The operational update reports weather warnings affecting Felixstowe during the remainder of the week, with further disruption to port operations and container collections anticipated.
Adverse conditions could restrict operations and limit opportunities for additional VBS slots to become available. However, the extent of any disruption will depend on conditions at the port and the operational decisions taken at the time.
A weather warning has also been reported for London Gateway on Friday. Customers with movements through either port should allow flexibility around planned collection and delivery dates.
What should customers do?
Please share any urgent collection requirements or fixed delivery deadlines with your usual Beckchoice contact as soon as possible.
Where schedules allow, customers are advised to discuss arrangements for Monday onwards and book ahead to give the best opportunity of securing capacity. This should be treated as a planning recommendation, rather than confirmation that normal service will resume on Monday.
Collections will remain subject to VBS availability, haulage capacity, container release and port operating conditions.
Keeping customers informed
We will continue to liaise with our transport partners, monitor availability and keep affected customers updated as further information becomes available.
If you have a shipment due for collection from Felixstowe or London Gateway, please contact your usual Beckchoice representative to discuss the latest position and available arrangements. Contact the Beckchoice team
Disclaimer: This update reflects information received as at 21 October 2026. Conditions and availability may change at short notice, and collection or delivery dates remain subject to confirmation.