Southampton Container Terminal for Truck Drivers

[@stefkeegan4391]

Just popping in here to say that I’m making a video game with a shipping port level, and your videos (this and the Felixstowe one) have been so helpful! I couldn’t get my head around the pieces of infrastructure and processes involved from a drivers perspective- you are doing a service with these videos! So thanks!

[@simongrey5745]

Thanks for this! Long time twist lock technician but first time in DP World later today 😎👍

[@mikeswann7482]

Mate, A really good video. I used to do container work 2 years, running out of DPWS. Your video is just what I needed. Great as a refresher training video. Well done and thanks.

[@HGVMe]

Thanks for the kind words Mike. Much appreciated.

[@darrenwalker1015]

Cheers pal, I’m just about too start on containers and this video has come in handy. Stay safe out there.

[@nagindersingh156]

Good work Fella, just about to start container work, the gaffa said look up some videos (thought he meant Debbie does Dallas) so to get an idea of what involved before i commit, this just convinced me, great video.

[@danwok]

Mate, your videos are just the ticket. Even though I’ve been driving for a while, I really only done ADR tanker work so have hardly been to docks apart from Harwich, Tilbury and Purfleet. I’m soon to be a container driver and your videos are just what I was looking for. 👍

[@HGVMe]

Hi Daniel. Thanks mate. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@kayaksnorkeluk8272]

This confirms i made the right choice to go onto class 1 cage deliveries to shops after class 1 pallet work for 2 months. I told a pallet guy deliveing to our depot the other day who was exercising whilst being tipped he wouldn't need to do that if he was doing cages...."fuck that" was his reply 😂😂😂

[@TheThejpmshow]

Just after the first roundabout I deliver to a place on the left, off the slip road Always wondered what was down the road you went down🤣

[@SuperJrjames]

That place looks like a fun day out how anything is delivered is beyond me

[@jameshall3017]

Cheers for the video. First day out in a Class 1 tomorrow.. in soton docks and then London. Lol was worried about reversing.. now I'm worried about getting lost too 😂😂 well thank you and wish me luck lol. Shall probably use this for reference tomorrow.

[@HGVMe]

Let us know how you got on? Hope it went well for you pal.

[@jameshall3017]

@@HGVMe Thank you. Yeah this video was a massive help. I went over to transfer area 1. Missed the second computer there though and thought the first one was allocating my space.. so waited a while in 1 before I had to go around again and do so! Then I didn't have my locks in the correct position so had to wait for a re grab. Was a lot of flaff and stress but a lot learnt. Was helped by another driver new to the docks there as well which I'm massively thankful for too. Next time shall go much smoother I hope haha :)

[@HGVMe]

@@jameshall3017 We've all been there James. Its easy to lift off a 20 at T3 and when you go to lift on at T1 0r T2 you forget you had your pins in the number 3 position for a laden 20 so when you try to lift a 40 on the trailer is too short. The tranny drivers go mad, but it happens all the time so don't worry about it. Biggest crime you can commit on Southampton is backing into your slot, forgetting your trailer is not set for the box you're collecting, and nipping into the slot on foot to work on your trailer. Slapped wrists and then some. Repeated crimes will have your certificate revoked. Anyway I'm happy it went well for you. Southampton is a bit of piss. Schedule your VBS outside of the really busy times (6am and 6pm) and its the easiest job in the world. All the best pal.

[@jameshall3017]

@@HGVMe Cheers bud. Yeah I did remember that part. Did my best to stay in the good books with everyone. Being polite goes a long way too and everyone was helpful. Thanks and same to you!

[@saades2755]

James Hall Hi James hope you’re doing well! I guess you’re from Southampton too, I just got my class 1, and I would like to know if there’s opportunities here in Southampton to work as a driver?

[@darrenstracey2248]

hope you don't mind me watching your videos as I am not an hgv driver just love the work you do

[@HGVMe]

darren stracey not at all my friend. You are very welcome.

[@bluefirexr4041]

HGV Me where do you take the container that you picked up at the end?

[@chocono2093]

darren stracey

[@navdeeepmattu6349]

Thanks....I’m going to start my first class 1 driver job this Monday

[@jamesmcrory3419]

Used to do every night for 5 years, easiest job ever!! Pentalvers is up the other end. If I was early or late I just went into driver hut or called them and they changed the times for me

[@mrwisdom2121]

Thank you so much for doing these kinds of videos mate! They're really helpful!! I'm a relatively new HGV driver, due to start doing some container work to Southampton soon. and as someone with the memory span of a goldfish, admittedly i find the process of going through the docks for the first time a little bit daunting. But this video has helped loads! Enjoyed your other videos too (nice blind side into Lidl by the way ;) ) All the best mate.

[@HGVMe]

Thanks pal. Good luck with the new job. The more you go through the docks process (whatever docks it might be) the easier it gets so don't sweat it.

[@oimandakhbayasgalan322]

Great videos, very fascinating

[@kevkelly1219]

Brilliant. It's 2021 now are there any update videos with the changes?

[@darrenstracey2248]

great videos great in site in to what you do

[@HGVMe]

darren stracey thank you. Welcome.

[@paulwhitear4983]

Very interesting video.

[@HGVMe]

Thanks Paul.

[@firsttimegamingfirsttimega428]

does the terminal tell you the size of the container you are picking up? (20ft, 30ft, 40ft, 45ft) so you know how to set up your trailer.

[@jeracojay]

great information very helpful thanks for a newbe like me lol

[@HGVMe]

No problem 👍

[@tractorfixrable]

Very interesting. I don’t see any 53’ containers or are the 20 and 40’ most common ?

[@markelliott7509]

Areas ta 1 and ta2 are now one big area the turn right on the video is now to empty park one

[@tonyedwards892]

My god how long before you new your way around ? Good vid ;)

[@michaelsrowland]

hi , can the public that are walking get past the gate at 1.02? or will they be stopped?

[@Paul_i_is]

Hi Thanks for this vid very helpful ive got and interview at the end of the week for a company who do mainly container work out of southampton One thing i didnt understand was you said make sure the trailer is set up before reversing in to your slot, What set up is required please, forgive my ignorance im new driver

[@HGVMe]

Hi Paul. What I mean is, depending what size container you are collecting. Either a single 20 or 30 foot box, a pair of 20's, a 40 or a 45 footer. Each collection requires your trailer twist locks be set up specifically for that collection. You need to do that before backing into the slot. Working on the trailer set up whilst on the slot is dangerous and as such is a big no no at Southampton docks. The procedure is, find your slot, back up to it, set up your trailer and only then back in. Hope this answers your question and good luck with the interview.

[@Paul_i_is]

HGV Me that's great sorry I didn't know the containers came in different sizes do you know the size of the trailer Before hand i.e. From the paper work I'm guessing if you drop off a 20ft and pick up a 30ft then you'll need to shift the twist locks On site Thanks for your help and the videos a great help too

[@HGVMe]

Paul Davies yes you should have all the information beforehand allowing you to get set up in advance. So I'm guessing you won't have any experience with slider trailers? This is the trailer we use which allows us to carry 20 or 40 containers. I'm sure if you search KZbin you will find all the info you need. There's nothing overly complicated to learn. Once you are familiar with sliders and where the locking pins locate for what size container, then it's just a case of remembering to set up correctly. I'm sure I'm not the only driver to back in to collect a 40 foot box without fully stretching the trailer first. Yep..it happens :-)

[@andrewcahill9735]

What areas can you set your trailer up for the size of container

[@HGVMe]

Back up to your slot number but before you back onto the actual slot that's the time to set up trailer as once on the slot working on the trailer is out of bounds. 👍

[@andrewcahill9735]

@@HGVMe cheers for the reply mate.

[@essexandy189]

2021 entrance and exit where you get your VBS are now reversed

[@maverick4220]

Does anyone know if the terminals when you type in your reg before loading etc if they tell you whats inside the container?

[@HGVMe]

When I was working out of Portbury, as its a small port we quickly got to know the regular drops and as such, what it was we were delivering. Working out of the larger ports on general haulage we generally have no idea whats in the box until we get to the drop.

[@maverick4220]

HGV Me Ok so if it don't tell you on the terminals where you punch in your info etc surely you'll have paperwork on what you are hauling right?

[@HGVMe]

Not really. Sometimes yes. But generally we will be given a box number, and sometimes a gross weight too. As a rule thats about all we get to work with. As we work remotely as trampers we carry all our own blank paper work and take instructions either by phone, or more so these days by way of an app on the mobile (called a PDA app). This gives us our collection details, booking numbers, delivery address etc. The contents of the container are nothing to do with the driver. Which is how come we can say at the delivery point "Not my problem" when they ask who is going into the box to unload it. Our responsibility ends once the doors are open. From that point forth its down to the consignee to deal with.

[@Jakethegun]

So do you always go pre gate first before anywhere else? Then that tells you witch terminal to go to?

[@HGVMe]

Ordinarily yes. You can get a VBS which gives you a terminal number to lift off or on without going first to pre-gate (we call this getting slotted), but more often than not, if you are just arriving at the docks with a VBS window (VBS-XXX-XXX) between 1600-1700, then you would go to pre gate first, present your VBS details, and you will find out your movements on the port from there.

[@Jakethegun]

HGV Me ok thanks, I’m going there tomorrow for first time, done London gateways, tilbury and Felixstowe no problem, this ones is one always seem very confusing, I’ll just go straight to pre gate seems best bet

[@HGVMe]

@@Jakethegun Southampton is widely thought of as one of the easiest ports to circumnavigate and in fairness it is. Just make sure you have your driver awareness certificate on you to show you did the online course. Failure to carry it will see you refused service and told to leave the docks should you get hauled over for a check up. If you don't have it on you, you can go into the office at pre-gate and they will print one off for you. If you haven't yet done the course you can do it in the same office at pre gate. Bit of an arse ache but straightforward enough - watch some videos then answer some multi choice questions on computer. Point of note: Pre gate has changed a bit. Still in exactly the same place but the entrance and exit have swapped places. Just follow what you see in the video and all will be explained as you pull in to pre gate. Good luck pal.

[@markelliott7509]

Please note when the straddle carrier comes to your slot to lift off or lift on you must get out of your cab and stand in front of your truck when you are happy your box is on properly or is lifted off you give a thumbs up to the straddle driver if not , indicate what you want him to do ,also when the straddle comes to you the driver will sound his horn ,they pretty good judges at getting the box on

[@miahaskurti4539]

There Are Loads Of Lorries In Southampton Who Have Containers

[@rodfigg7341]

Now out of date - Pre gate layout has changed

[@gary63693]

When you reverse into a slot to be unloaded, do you have to release the container twist locks? I an not a truck driver by the way

[@trevorframpton892]

How do you poor chaps keep within your tacho rules in those docks, only 3hrs left on your spread, to queue, drop a box, queue pick a box up. I used to tip and pick up scrap and glass off that docks. What happened after they pulled down that little shop down by Rank Hoves, Sod the lorry drivers.

[@HGVMe]

You're quite right Trevor. it's a struggle at times to make all the plans fit together. But for the most part truck drivers seem to make it happen, at least somewhat according to the schedule.

[@nhuphanlekhanh2079]

Nhự

[@harrymayer872]

I need a Southampton card how to apply pls help

[@HGVMe]

You can watch the driver awareness video on the DP World Southampton website> www.dpworldsouthampton.com/vehicle-booking-system/driver-engagement-video and then take the driver awareness course at the following address> www.classmarker.com/online-test/login/. Once you pass the test you have the option to print off the certificate which you must have with you at all times when you are on the terminal. Alternatively you can just rock up to Southampton DP World, drive into the pre-gate area, go in the office and take the awareness course right there. There is no fee.