Intermodal logistics support specialist James Kemball has strengthened its position in the UK by becoming the largest off-dock container storage provider at the port of Felixstowe in the East of England.
In December, the locally-based transport, storage, and project cargo specialist acquired a six-acre site that had been used by multimodal road and rail operator Freightliner. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from the port. Already operational, the facility adds significant capacity to the company’s off-dock operations and is set to support additional services in the near future.
The acquisition expands James Kemball’s Felixstowe off-dock storage capacity to over 7,500 TEU, the largest in the region. The company says the facility will improve turnaround times, reduce operational costs, and provide greater flexibility for importers, exporters, shipping lines, and freight forwarders. With no depot VBS (Vehicle Booking Surcharge), the expansion also aims to support the haulage community and strengthen long-term resilience in the UK container logistics market.
Benefits for the supply chain
James Kemball’s site is highly accessible for containers arriving by ship. Andy Tattersall, Operations & Commercial Director, said the expansion allows the company to provide faster, more efficient services for customers. By reducing reliance on quay storage, the site helps minimise port-related charges and improves overall supply chain efficiency.
James Kemball has been providing container transport and storage solutions since 1973 and continues to invest in modern fleets and technology. Its UK and European depots now have more than 11,600 loaded and empty container capacity. Kemball last significantly expanded at Felixstowe in 2017, as we reported at the time. The company operates over 500 vehicles across the UK, servicing all deep-sea container ports, rail terminals, and inland hubs. Tattersall says the Felixstowe expansion underlines James Kemball’s commitment to supporting the long-term growth and resilience of the UK container logistics market.
Off-dock container storage is often an overlooked but critical part of the logistics chain. Facilities like James Kemball’s Felixstowe site allow shipping lines, freight forwarders, and hauliers to manage container flows efficiently, reduce port congestion, and cut operational costs. By providing accessible, scalable storage close to the quay, off-dock depots help keep supply chains agile, support faster turnaround times, and ultimately underpin the smooth movement of goods across the UK and international markets.