Driver Guidance

Before travelling through the Port read our step-by-step guide for freight drivers.

Freight drivers must check in at least two hours prior to sailing.

Freight drivers are required to wear Hi-Viz in RA.

The entire Continental Ferry Port is a security area, so carry your identity papers at all times. Don’t bring any passengers into the Port without prior notification from your company and on no account bring in hitchhikers.

For your convenience LHD vehicles should use the right freight gates and RHD vehicles should use the left freight gates. There are no restrictions on weekend travel for trucks in the UK.

For timetables, fares and further details, freight drivers can contact the ferry companies direct:

P&O Ferries - Mon to Fri: 0845 - 1730 hrs, Sat: 0900 – 1200 hrs
Tel: 00 34 94 423 4477 Fax: 00 34 94 423 8763

Brittany Ferries - Mon to Fri: 0900 – 1730 hrs
Tel: 0870 9013300 Fax: 0870 9011200

Condor Ferries - Mon to Fri: 0700 – 1700 hrs, Sat: 0700 – 11.30 hrs, Sun: 0700 – 1000 hrs

Tel: 023 9266 4676 Fax: 023 9266 4704

Wightlink – Mon to Fri: 0730 – 2100 hrs, Sat and Sun: 0730 – 2000 hrs
Tel: 023 9285 5260

LD Lines - Open 24 hours
Tel: 0870 428 43 36

Facilities for drivers:

  • Stevedoring services - transshipments, restowing, storage, trailer stacking, mechanical and engineering assistance.
  • Electricity supply for refrigerated trailers.
  • Free self-weigh facility.
  • Driver's Diner offering a 24 hour rest room with vending machines, TV and telephones. Male and female shower facilities.

UK Exports

Before leaving your depot ensure that the Port Authority and ferry company have been notified of any dangerous substances or hazardous cargoes. Also the ferry company must be notified if your vehicle weighs more than 50 tonnes. On arrival at the Continental Ferry Port your vehicle will be weighed and you will be given a PINK Port security card. Park as directed, complete your PINK card and take it, together with any dangerous substances documentation, to the ferry company freight office, where you will be given a boarding card. Join the embarkation lanes as directed by marshalling staff. Hand in your boarding card and any freight control card as you board the ferry.

UK Imports

Before leaving the continent, collect your tickets from the freight office. You will need the back page of your ferry ticket as a gate release pass at Portsmouth. Ensure the ferry company has been notified of any dangerous substances or hazardous cargoes. On arriving at Portsmouth follow the exit signs to Passport Control. Ensure the ferry company has been notified of any dangerous substances or hazardous cargoes. If selected for Customs examination, please follow the officer's instructions.