UK Port Congestion Update: June 2026 Delays & Wait Times at Felixstowe, Southampton & London Gateway
UK container ports are experiencing significant congestion in June 2026. Felixstowe has 4.2-day average dwell time, Southampton 3.8 days, and London Gateway 2.9 days. The primary driver is Cape of Good Hope rerouting causing vessel arrival bunching.
What Carrgo handles
- Route and freight mode planning for UK importers and exporters.
- Customs readiness, documentation checks and port release support.
- Sea, air, road, rail, container and door-to-door freight options.
- Clear quote handling and monitored shipment handover.
Freight option comparison
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sea freight | Lower-cost container and bulk shipments. |
| Air freight | Urgent cargo and time-critical shipments. |
| Road freight | European pallets, groupage and full loads. |
| Customs support | Documentation, duty checks and release planning. |
What happens next?
- Send Carrgo your shipment details.
- Carrgo reviews route, freight mode and customs requirements.
- You receive clear freight quote guidance and next steps.
- We monitor the shipment and keep you updated throughout.
Freight forwarding FAQs
Which UK port has the worst congestion in June 2026?
Felixstowe has the highest congestion with 4.2-day average dwell time and 6-8 vessels queuing. Southampton is moderate at 3.8 days. London Gateway and Tilbury have lower congestion at 2.9 and 3.1 days respectively.
How much does port congestion cost importers in demurrage?
At current Felixstowe dwell times (4.2 days vs 2.5-day historical norm), importers face an extra 1.7 days in port. At £50-£80 per day per container, this equates to £85-£136 extra demurrage per box.
How can I avoid UK port congestion delays?
Key strategies include: filing customs declarations 24-48 hours before vessel arrival (pre-arrival CDS), pre-booking haulage slots 2-3 weeks in advance, routing cargo to London Gateway or Tilbury instead of Felixstowe, and monitoring vessel ETAs in real time.
When will UK port congestion ease?
Port congestion is expected to remain elevated through July 2026 as peak season demand continues and Cape rerouting persists. Relief is likely in August if consumer demand softens or the Red Sea security situation stabilises.