UK-based maritime and logistics specialist Williams Shipping has expanded its yard capacity at the port of Southampton, opening up opportunities to grow and diversity its cargo and haulage operations.
The logistics and freight yard, located close to Southampton Container Terminal, has been established as part of a deal with the container terminal, DP World and Williams Shipping. It is twice the size of the existing Williams Shipping yard, which is located just outside the port.
Jonathan Williams, managing director of the cargo division at Williams Shipping, said the cramped conditions in the previous yard restricted capacity. “We have been running cargo operations for decades, but this side of our work has grown significantly in recent years. It is a really good fit for our maritime customer base, creating a more efficient shipping experience for them, from import into the docks and on to road haulage, or the reverse for goods for export.”
Much of the haulage work the Williams team is fulfilling is awkwardly shaped industrial goods that would not easily fit inside a shipping container. Recent examples include heavy and wide cable reels that needed heavy haulage, a significant number of large, industrial batteries, and a Rolls Royce aircraft engine.
The company has a fleet of 22 trucks, capable of hauling 44 tonnes up to 150 gross tonnes. Seven new DAF trucks will be added to the fleet this year, accompanying investment in yard equipment including forklifts and reachstackers.
The existing Williams Shipping Millbrook cargo yard will continue to be used for additional open air and long-term equipment storage.
