Associated British Ports Plc (ABP) is the UK’s leading ports business, providing innovative and high-quality port facilities and services to shippers and cargo owners. They have experience of handling a diverse range of cargoes including containers, various dry and liquid bulks, including, minerals, petroleum products, forest products and steel.
ABP in Cardiff were handling reefer ships loaded with orange juice in 45-gallon (205 litre) drums from Brazil. They had already engaged two large and reputable transport companies in the Cardiff area to handle their transport needs. Each ship of approximately 4000 tonnes needed to be discharged within 3 to 4 days. The drums were destined for three cold stores in Cardiff, Manchester and Dartford.
Whilst dealing with the first ship it became clear that the existing transport arrangements were not to coping with the demands of the ship and ABP called on Bridgeway Freighting to help. Whilst there was very little time to prepare we managed to make a significant contribution to the movement of the juice in the last 2 days. For the next ship about 6 weeks later we were asked to be involved from the beginning. Consequently we took responsibility for all of the loads destined for the cold store in Dartford. During that second vessel we were asked to help out with the Manchester deliveries as well.
During our liaisons with the Dartford delivery point a number of ways were identified in which we could help both their situation and that of the port. In preparation for the 3rd vessel we spent a considerable amount of time visiting both Dartford and Manchester at our own instigation clarifying their needs. ABP asked us to take full responsibility for the provision of all transport for that 3rd vessel and all subsequent vessels. As a result we provided an ultimate solution in Cardiff to ensure that ships were never delayed and that both Dartford and Manchester were supplied with deliveries in a consistent and manageable way. Vehicle delays were minimised and deliveries were smoothly effected, without large claims for demurrage.