Fxt container help please

I’ve git a morning dropping and collecting boxes from Felixstowe tomorrow, and could go with s few questions answered please:

On the vbs printouts, each one I’m dropping off is a 4510, but the ones I’m picking up are 2 x 45g0 and 1 x 45g1 - I’m guessing they’re all 45’ going from the 55, but what do the other bits refer to?

In each case I’m dropping at trinity and collecting from berths 8&9 - do I book in separately for each drop and each collection, or will I be booked for both when I book in with the drop, as both are on the same vbs? Do I just drive between trinity and berths 8/9, or do I need to go through any form of security between the 2?

Finally, what is the procedure when I get to the load/unload areas?

Assuming I see someone to talk to, I’ll ask them to show me, but just in case…

Thanks

Gary

See this thread on fxt viewtopic.php?f=5&t=117278

The boxes you’re collecting aren’t 45s, they 40’ high cubes. The 4 refers to the length, 5 to the height, G for General (R is for reefer) and the 4th I’m not entirely sure about but won’t affect how the trailer is prepped.

Hi although I’m not sure about the 4510 bit, unless there reefers I can help with the docks.
Berths 8-9 are also known as Languard but will be signed Berths 8,9 on the Felixstowe signposts.

I use Gate 1 (or is it 2) for Berths 8,9 (Languard) if its open as you just go straight over the first roundabout past the temporary pass office (you will need to call in here if you don’t have a RHIDES card).
Trinity is right at the roundabour (signposted TTY).
Anyway the procedure is pull under the canopy and enter details into touch screen thingy, also undo twistlocks here and you will be issued with a printout from the touchscreen thing with your peg number, the letter and 3 numbers following are the important bits Or it may say THA which is the Temporary Holding Area.

You can get a map from the pass office that will help a lot.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, stick to the speed limits and don’t worry about other drivers being nutters.
Also give way to shunters if possible (these are the folks to ask for help if possible) and be very careful round the cranes.

It can be daunting on your first visit and other drivers will uasuallybe happy to help, well apart from the nutters :wink:

Also you may have to move for the crane during loading and unloading, lean out the window and try and judge the twistlocks and make sure the containers seated fully before leaving your peg / bay. This stuff would send the elf and safety squad at RDC’s into a panic :wink:

A good tip is to try and line yourself up when parking on your bay so the crane doesn’t have to worry about hitting yur cab when lowering, if in doubt pull forward a bit and then reverse when the containers hovering over your twistlocks.

Most important of all take your time and make sure the crane has released your container before pulling away.

Oh and also check your twistlocks whilst waiting for the crane as if empty skel they may drop down over the bumps when driving round the dock and need resetting.

Also theres loos in THA if your ■■■■■■■■ yourself like I was on me first time.

Great stuff, thanks for the advice. At least I won’t have to worry about adjusting the trailer - going to have enough whirring round my little brain as it is!

Thanks again, and if you’re in fxt tomorrow morning at about 6, and see a worried looking bloke in a Daf, take pity!

Gary

You’ll cope I’m sure. Spent many many hrs over there when I was a kid with my old chap on the ships changing radar units over. Watching the trucks like ants running around their set paths.

Thanks for the help everyone, all went fine - well, apart from forgetting to out gate on the first one and getting sent back! Oh, and the handscan failed every time, but it always does for me. I’ve been rescanned twice, but still no joy.

It was a bit twitchy on the first one watching this bloody great box descending from on high!

Thanks again

Gary