TruckandTrackWinter2019FB

Truck and Track Winter 2019 www.truckandtrack.com 70 PORTS Unlike other operators on the English Channel, DFDS can offer their customers sailing from Dover the choice of two French destinations – Calais or Dunkerque. Wayne Bullen, Freight Sales Director on the Channel, is keen to point out that, in Dunkerque, DFDS operates its own dedicated terminal. He says, “We have introduced a 200 truck space buffer zone, inside the port security fence, to allow drivers to wait safely, should the check-in booths become congested. We have also created a further 400 truck parking spaces in the port, again within the port’s secure area, ensuring safety and comfort for drivers and security for our customers and their cargo.” Another innovation is the advanced check in facility which allows drivers with non- urgent loads to park up for free within the port’s secure area and check in for sailings thatmay be departing several hours later. It allows DFDS to plan and spread the load on its vessels while avoiding drivers having to search for secure parking space elsewhere (normally at a significant cost). In order to minimise any potential waiting times, DFDS also offer an additional service at the Ports of Calais, Dover andDunkerque. Priority lane - This is available at all three ports from the check-in booths. During busy periods a limited amount of vessel space will be available to freight customers who are willing to pay an additional fee to depart on a vessel that would otherwise be full, thus reducing waiting times. This is available on a first come first served basis. Listening to Customers The DFDS Freight Customer Services team on the Channel understand the importance of listening to the voice of their customers. For this reason, they carry out two regular surveys – the customer satisfaction survey and, perhaps more importantly, take the opportunity to go onboard the vessels and conduct regular driver surveys. By listening to their freight drivers, DFDS can put in place improvement plans based on their opinions. A detailed analysis of the last survey, conducted late Summer 2019, has now been finalised and highlighted the most important aspects of the Channel crossing to drivers. DFDS offers more choice fromDover Wayne Bullen Aerial view of Dunkerque port