Our fleet is built for fast, effective port-to-city haulage, regardless of size.
Located just minutes from Tilbury Docks and the state-of-the-art London Gateway Port, we are perfectly positioned to provide rapid container pick up from port – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With direct access to Central London, we specialise in efficient port to city container transport, ensuring goods move seamlessly from the quay to site without delay or disruption.
Our FORS Silver-approved fleet supports secure truck collection and delivery, with real-time tracking included so you always know where your goods are from point A to point B.
Over 60 specialised vehicles for any consignment
Close proximity to two London ports
Same-day and next-day delivery
24-hour pickup, warehousing and delivery
We hold all the relevant accreditations to get your goods in and out of the port safely.
All of our vehicles are fully Euro 6 compliant, supporting low-emission port transport across London. This is essential for any haulage going in and out of London, as Euro6 vehicles do not pay the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge – saving you money.
Highly recommended.
I was given a competitive quote and was stunned when I was told they could be collected the next day.
Lee was superb and provided me with a tracking code so I could see where the delivery was. The driver was amazing and they were delivered to me by lunchtime the next day (earlier than expected).
Thank you so much.
Would I use them again?
Hell yes I would. Well done all at FF!
A stone’s throw from two major ports
Our depot location allows us to support fast, dependable container transport from port as soon as goods arrive. Our main depot, with its purpose-built dock levellers, is located just 10 minutes from London Gateway and within close proximity of Tilbury Docks. This enables immediate container pick up from port, rapid unloading, and efficient redistribution through our warehouse network. This proximity also allows multiple daily port to city runs, all managed by our in-house logistics experts.
Built for the city
Being just 15 minutes from Central London, and making daily port-to-city runs, each vehicle is equipped to meet the challenges of urban port transport. Our vehicles feature on-board cameras, cyclist detection systems and turning alarms, ensuring safety for the public, our drivers and your goods. Our FORS Silver accreditation supports this commitment, while Euro 6 compliance ensures full access across London roads.
Next-day delivery across the UK
In addition to London-focused port to city container transport, we also provide next-day delivery across the UK.With direct access to the M25 and national transport routes, our fleet supports fast onward distribution once goods leave the port environment. Our experienced and trusted logistics team work round-the-clock to provide a first-class service, whether goods are coming into the warehouse for sorting and storing or getting ready for distribution.
Why choose Forest Freight?
Our strategic location between two major London ports and Central London allows us to deliver fast, controlled container pick up from port without unnecessary handling or delay.
Whether you need port collection, secure warehousing, or onward nationwide delivery, our experienced team provides dependable truck collection and delivery using vehicles designed specifically for city environments.
If you need a trusted partner for port transport and container movement into London, contact us for a quote.
London Gateway
London Logistics
Warehousing
Frequently asked questions
The cost of collecting a container from London Gateway or Tilbury depends on several practical factors rather than a single flat rate. These include the size of the container, the delivery postcode, whether the delivery is time-critical, and whether the collection or delivery takes place during standard hours or overnight.
Other variables such as port congestion, waiting time, delivery access restrictions and whether the container needs to be returned empty can also affect pricing. For this reason, accurate pricing is always based on the full movement rather than just mileage. Providing clear delivery details upfront allows costs to be calculated realistically and avoids unexpected charges later in the process.
To arrange a container collection, several key details are required before a vehicle can be dispatched. These typically include the port of arrival, container number, container size, and confirmation that the container has been released for collection.
Delivery information is equally important. This includes the delivery address, any access restrictions, whether a timed booking is required, and the nature of the destination, such as a warehouse, commercial premises or construction site. Supplying complete and accurate information at the outset helps prevent delays, failed collections and unnecessary waiting time at the port.
Yes. We provide weekend port collection and delivery services where required, subject to container release and port operating hours. This includes both Saturday and Sunday movements, depending on availability and delivery requirements.
Weekend operations are often used to maintain project timelines, reduce congestion-related delays, or align with sites that cannot receive goods during the working week. When planning a weekend collection or delivery, it’s important to confirm access arrangements at both the port and the delivery location, including any booking systems, security requirements or time restrictions.
Our team will advise on feasibility and scheduling, and plan the movement to ensure it is carried out safely, efficiently and without unnecessary disruption.
Once a container has been released, delivery into Central London can often be completed on the same day, depending on traffic conditions and delivery requirements. While the physical distance is relatively short, overall delivery time is influenced by factors such as port processing, congestion and site access restrictions.
Timed delivery slots, vehicle size limits and peak-hour controls within London can all affect scheduling. Planning the movement around these constraints is essential to ensuring goods arrive when expected and without disruption to the receiving site.
Out-of-hours collection and delivery is available where operationally required. This includes evening, overnight and weekend movements, provided the container has been released and the port is operating during those hours.
Out-of-hours services are often used to avoid peak traffic, meet tight project deadlines or align with restricted delivery windows at busy sites. When requesting an out-of-hours move, it’s important to confirm delivery access, noise restrictions and any on-site requirements so the movement can be planned safely and efficiently.
If a container has not been released by the port or shipping line, it cannot be collected. This may be due to incomplete documentation, customs clearance still being in progress, or delays in the release process.
In this situation, the collection is paused and rescheduled once release is confirmed. The focus is on identifying the cause quickly, resolving any outstanding issues, and securing the next available collection window. Confirming release status before dispatch is the most effective way to avoid failed collections and additional costs.
Yes. Deliveries to construction sites and restricted-access locations are routinely handled, but they require advance planning. These sites often operate with strict booking systems, limited access windows, vehicle restrictions and specific unloading procedures.
To ensure a successful delivery, access details, booking requirements and on-site processes need to be confirmed in advance. This reduces the risk of refused entry, waiting time charges or rescheduled deliveries, and helps keep projects running on schedule.
Yes. Port collection can be integrated with warehousing, storage and onward distribution where required. Goods can be collected from the port, returned to a warehouse for unloading, sorting or consolidation, and then delivered to one or multiple destinations at a later stage.
This approach is often used when the final destination cannot accept a full container, when deliveries need to be phased, or when goods require short-term storage. Combining port collection with warehousing simplifies coordination and provides greater control over delivery timing.
Reducing delays and additional charges starts with planning. Prompt collection after release, realistic delivery scheduling and avoiding failed deliveries all help prevent unnecessary dwell time at the port.
Clear communication between all parties involved is essential. By coordinating collection and delivery as a single, planned movement, timelines remain predictable and the risk of avoidable charges is significantly reduced.
