For importers, the announcement highlights a part of sea freight that’s easy to overlook. Once the goods are unloaded, the warehouse can get on with receiving stock, but someone still needs to arrange for the empty container to go back. Knowing where it’s going, when it’s due and who’s handling it can help avoid a wasted journey or unexpected costs.
What the London Gateway update means for importers
If your team made alternative arrangements during the suspension, check with your carrier or freight forwarder before changing them. Maersk’s announcement confirmed that the terminal had reopened for empty returns. The latest instructions for your specific container will tell you which terminal or depot to use and whether you need to book a slot.
The timing matters just as much as the location. Suppose your warehouse expects to unload on Wednesday, but its receiving team can’t take the delivery until Thursday. That change leaves less time to arrange collection and return the empty. Telling your freight contact as soon as the delivery slot moves gives them time to check the return deadline and see what can be rearranged.
Three checks before sending the truck
- Confirm where the empty goes. Check the designated return terminal or depot, any booking requirements and the references the driver needs. If the return location changes, make sure the haulier has the updated instructions before dispatch. The place where the full container was collected may differ from the place where the empty needs to go.
- Check the last free day. Ask your carrier or freight forwarder when free time ends for your shipment and what charges could apply after that. Work backwards from the deadline: when can the warehouse unload, when will the empty be ready for collection and is there time to get it to the return point? Share any changes to the unloading schedule early.
- Agree who sees the return through. Establish who checks the instructions, arranges the truck and deals with any changes. If a return slot is unavailable or the depot can’t accept the container, everyone should know who to contact. Once it’s accepted, ask for confirmation and keep it with the shipment records.
How SMA Worldwide helps sea freight customers
SMA Worldwide provides international sea freight forwarding and can discuss door-to-door transport and customs clearance as part of your import. That conversation starts with what you’re shipping, where it’s coming from and where it needs to go. If you need delivery from a UK port to a warehouse or business premises, the team can discuss the onward transport and explain what the quotation covers.
Give SMA the full delivery address, the receiving hours and any restrictions on vehicle access. It also helps to know whether the warehouse can unload on arrival or needs a booked slot. If the container will stay on site while the goods are unloaded, share when you expect it to be ready for collection. That gives the team a clearer picture of how the delivery and return need to fit together.
Ask about the empty return when you request your quote. Confirm whether collecting and returning the container is included in the proposed service, who will pass on the carrier’s instructions and who will confirm that the return is complete. If you’re arranging the return separately, agree where SMA’s part of the movement ends and who takes over from there.
A useful starting point is to give your freight team three details: where the goods need to be delivered, when the warehouse can unload and who will handle the empty container afterwards. Agreeing those details before booking helps everyone plan for the full movement, from the port to the warehouse and through to the return.
Planning a UK sea freight import? Contact SMA Worldwide to discuss your shipment, customs clearance and onward delivery requirements.
