Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

The Northern Gateway Container Terminal (NGCT) was cited as the deciding factor behind the Felixstowe firm’s decision to make Teesport the latest site from which to run its container transport business. It already operates from 18 locations across the UK.

Initially Hanbury Davies will run a small fleet of 10 corporate liveried vehicles from the rented site available on a spot hire container transport basis, using 12 full-time drivers and another four on a sub-contracted basis.

The depot will be run by senior general manager, Ian Morton, with the support of a depot manager, traffic operator and further admin staff. The firm intends to expand its service in terms of resource and product offerings, at which point it says it is likely it will establish its own facility at Teesport.

Morton said: “PD Ports’ huge proposed expansion project at Teesport is very exciting for the shipping line and container transport industries. We are all aware of the increased volumes of containers arriving into the UK from Europe, Scandinavia and the Far East, which has put tremendous strain on our ports.

“When PD Ports’ plans are given the go-ahead, this will give the shipping lines greater access into the UK and transport companies an ideal base from which they can more economically service the North of England and Scotland.”