Been told my job for tonight is taking a box to Northampton Howdens, never done boxes before, what can I expect. I’m assuming that said box has already been collected from Killingholme dock.
Main thing is make sure the height indicator is set right! If it’s a 9’6" container, the height of the vehicle is likely to be 14’6" - not setting this properly is why so many containers are involved in bridge bashes.
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The most obvious thing is…
Make sure it’s locked onto the trailer. I know that sounds daft but trust me, I’ve come across a few that haven’t been. Check if it’s a tall one (if you’re not sure, just look up ‘bridge strike again’ on here).
It’ll slide around and make dreadful noises loaded on a skelly, even more when it’s empty, that’s quite normal. They do slip forward under heavy braking which is un-nerving if you’re not expecting it but, once again that’s perfectly normal.
Radar,
You’ll probably be picking the box up from Dockside if its DFDS. Go to the gate as usual and book in, turn left then if you’re skelly only take your first left again past the plugged in fridges and join the queue to get your box on. if you’re having an empty lifted off…take second left and join queue to have empty lifted. once in the line, jump out and undo twist locks. keep moving forward in line until it’s your turn. The toploader will move forward, attach to your box then lift it about 3 feet off your skelly…he’ll then give you a blast on the horn to say move away. Move forward slowly and get clear.
Follow the one way system all the way around (past where the loaded boxes are put on) and go and join the back of the queue in the first lane and wait your turn to get your loaded box. When you get to the front of the queue you’ll see the large boxed area where they load you. Drive into it (usually 2 wagons at a time can wait in there), get out and double check your twist locks are open, stand by the front of the cab (hard hat on at dockside offciially but many don’t bother) and when the toploader comes with your box just let him do his thing. He’ll give you the thumbs up when he’s loaded you and he’s clear and you can do your twist locks and crack on!! - Double check its the correct box and the doors are at the back (it has been known)
If you’re getting the box from Exxtor or Cobelfret (HST) let me know and I’ll bore you with those procedures.
Take it steady as you don’t know how it’s been loaded and it could have you over if you tear arse about.
Drop the trailer suspension before you get on the bay as otherwise it’s usually too high for them to get the ramp on.
Nicc easy night for you mate…you might even get some kip!!!
Thanks guys. I’m assuming the day driver has already collected the box as the paperwork I’ve been emailed says it was received at Killingholme at 2am this morning. I would imagine though that its going back there when its empty too. I’ll know more when I head in.
Day driver collecting your box for you Lord Radar!! You’re spoilt!! 
If it’s Killingholme mate thats easy. Go to cobelfret main gate and book in. Then head for the container terminal on the port (right at T-junction once through check-in then left at 1st roundabout, over railway lines and it’s on your left). Stop in the entrance and do your locks. Follow one way system (outer lane as inner lane is for ISO Tanks) follow outer lane all the way round until you come to a stop sign, make sure it’s clear of port traffic then cross the lanes and stop in the ‘lift off’ area (can sometimes wait a while for a toploader). Once box is off move forward to the loading area or if you’re not picking one up, just go straight through. If you do collect a loaded one, do your locks at the entrance/exit to the container terminal same as on your way in.
Will the day driver be making your sandwiches for you as well? 
I drive for Howdens. Don’t try to get in there too early, they’ll turn you away but an hour early or so is OK just don’t take the mickey.
google.co.uk/maps/place/Lil … -0.8607106
Depending on where you’re coming from either way you end up on the A45. M1 route is about 10 minutes quicker than going the A1/A43 or A1/A605 routes. If coming from the M1 ignore the first Brackmills turning which your Satnav might try to send you down and get off at the next one signposted A428 Bedford/City Centre. Turn off the A45 south onto the A428 - you want to be in the very right hand lane at the end of the sliproad when you get off the A45 if coming from the M1, if coming from the A1 its the first exit. Straight over the first roundabout, right at the second, Howdens is on the right and is the only place on that road. Once through the gate it is hazards on, 10MPH limit unless you’re a shunter and you’ll either be tipping under a canopy they’ve put up on the right end of the building or the bays to the left of it, you may end up going round the back but either way you’re turning right when you go through the gate. Loads of room, well lit apart from round the back. If you are tipping near the canopy or in it and need the toilets if you go round the corner to the right of the canopy there’s a small square grey portacabin which are toilets. Don’t worry they’re kept well clean.
Should be a fairly quick tip especially given that the warehouse staff sod off home at 10pm.
Watch for bridges… Sorry. That’s another thread. ^^^^^^ You’re longstanding on here.
yourhavingalarf:
The most obvious thing is…Make sure it’s locked onto the trailer. I know that sounds daft but trust me, I’ve come across a few that haven’t been. Check if it’s a tall one (if you’re not sure, just look up ‘bridge strike again’ on here).
It’ll slide around and make dreadful noises loaded on a skelly, even more when it’s empty, that’s quite normal. They do slip forward under heavy braking which is un-nerving if you’re not expecting it but, once again that’s perfectly normal.
I found that it will only move once under heavy braking so found it good practice to shove the box forward before leaving the dock.
IndigoJo:
Main thing is make sure the height indicator is set right! If it’s a 9’6" container, the height of the vehicle is likely to be 14’6" - not setting this properly is why so many containers are involved in bridge bashes.Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
You’ll find that on a mid-lift Scania its runs closer to 14’8", just put your tape measure on the front spur and add 9’6" for a high cube 8’6" for a dry van
Well…
How did you get on?