Dear Valued Customer, we would like to bring to your attention the ongoing challenges with UK container empty returns at several UK ports and depots, which are increasingly causing operational delays.
Our operations team is monitoring the situation closely and doing everything possible to secure available booking slots and complete container returns within the required timeframes. However, due to the current depot restrictions, limited availability and extended queuing times, some delays may occur beyond our control.
This update summarises the latest situation at Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway, explains what it may mean for your container returns, and sets out what you can do to help minimise disruption.
UK Container Empty Returns at a Glance
| Port / Gateway | Latest situation | Shipping lines affected |
| Felixstowe | Berths 8 and 9 closed to all shipping lines; empty returns redirected to depots with long queues | CMA CGM, MSC, Evergreen |
| Southampton | Space extremely limited; empty returns redirected to depots operating 07:00 to 17:00 | ONE, CMA CGM and other lines |
| London Gateway | Accepting empty returns for all shipping lines again | All shipping lines |
Situation as reported on 11 November 2026. Port and depot availability can change at short notice, so please check with our operations team for the latest position on your specific container.
Felixstowe UK Container Empty Returns: Berth Closures and Depot Queues
Felixstowe is currently the most heavily affected gateway for empty container returns.
- Berths 8 and 9 are currently closed to all shipping lines.
- CMA CGM has closed access to both terminals and is directing empty returns to depots operating between 07:00 and 17:00, resulting in long queues and significant delays.
- MSC and Evergreen are also experiencing restricted space availability.
For customers with Felixstowe empty returns, this means booking slots are harder to secure and vehicles may face extended waiting times at alternative depots. Please allow additional time for returns planned through Felixstowe.
Southampton: Extremely Limited Space
Space availability at Southampton is extremely limited across all shipping lines.
ONE and CMA CGM are currently facing significant restrictions, with empty returns being redirected to depots operating between 07:00 and 17:00.
As at Felixstowe, redirected returns can involve longer journeys and queuing, so collections and return plans for Southampton containers should be confirmed as early as possible.
London Gateway: Now Accepting Empty Returns Again
There is more positive news at London Gateway.
London Gateway is now accepting empty returns for all shipping lines again.
Where a shipping line approves London Gateway as an alternative return location, this may provide a more practical option for some containers. Our team will advise where this is possible for your shipment.
What This Means for Our Customers
Please be assured that our operations team is doing everything possible to secure available booking slots and complete container returns within the required timeframes.
However, we kindly ask customers to note the following:
- Please allow some flexibility with container return deadlines where delays arise due to these port and depot disruptions.
- Delays may occur beyond our control because of depot restrictions, limited availability and extended queuing times.
- Additional charges may apply if an alternative depot is required. If a container cannot be returned to its originally designated collection/return location and an alternative depot is required, additional charges may apply. Any such charges will be communicated accordingly.
Contacting us as early as possible, ideally before a container is unpacked and ready for return, gives our team the best chance of securing a suitable slot and avoiding unnecessary cost.
UK Container Empty Returns: What Customers Can Do to Reduce Delays
You can help us keep your container returns moving by following these steps:
- Tell us your unpacking date early. Let our operations team know as soon as a container is expected to be empty and ready for return.
- Do not send a vehicle without a confirmed booking. Depot access and queuing are tightly restricted, so returns should only be attempted with a confirmed slot.
- Allow contingency time. Build extra time into stock, warehouse and onward transport plans while restrictions continue.
- Keep container details to hand. Having the container number, shipping line and original return location ready helps us rebook or redirect returns faster.
- Be ready to accept an alternative depot. Where the original location is unavailable, an alternative depot may be the quickest way to complete the return.
- Stay in contact. If your deadline changes, tell us straight away so we can reprioritise bookings.
How NKR Freight Can Support You
NKR Freight supports UK importers and exporters with joined-up container movements, from port collection through to final delivery and empty return. Depending on your shipment, our team can coordinate:
- Sea freight for Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments
- Container collection and UK road freight
- Customs clearance for imports and exports
- Warehousing and distribution while you await onward movement
- Empty container return bookings and alternative depot arrangements
If you are concerned about a container return deadline, please contact our team or request a quote for your next shipment and we will advise on the latest available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UK container empty returns currently delayed?
Yes. Empty container returns are currently delayed at several UK ports and depots, particularly at Felixstowe and Southampton, due to berth closures, restricted terminal access, limited space and long depot queues.
Which UK ports are affected by empty return delays?
Felixstowe and Southampton are currently the most affected. At Felixstowe, Berths 8 and 9 are closed to all shipping lines, while Southampton has extremely limited space across all shipping lines. London Gateway is now accepting empty returns for all shipping lines again.
Which shipping lines are affected?
At Felixstowe, CMA CGM has closed access to both terminals, and MSC and Evergreen have restricted space. At Southampton, ONE and CMA CGM face significant restrictions, with space extremely limited across all shipping lines.
Why might additional charges apply to my container return?
If a container cannot be returned to its originally designated collection/return location, an alternative depot may be required. That can involve additional transport or depot charges. Any such charges will be communicated accordingly.
What should I do if my container return deadline is approaching?
Contact the NKR Freight operations team as early as possible with your container number, shipping line and required return date. Our team will check the latest booking availability and, where necessary, look for an alternative return depot.
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation while these operational challenges continue.
Kind regards,
NKR Freight Logistics