Just a quick update to say I’ve nearly done 3 months on the containers and I have never had such an easy job! Its so hard to turn the twist locks once or twice a night. LOL its even easier than working for supermarkets such as ASDA and Wilkinson’s and no weekends! So glad i took the job now and wondering why I didn’t become a box jockey years ago. Have to say too all the drivers I have met at the docks and at various tips have been nothing short of bloody marvellous helping me stretch, shorten trailer etc and where to go on docks. Well happy and thanks guys and gals!!!
waynedl:
I used to love the ‘automatic’ lifters, if your box was under the 2nd crane it was guaranteed to break down and give you a nice 5hr kip
about 5 years ago was the last time i went to Thamesport, it was dead then 
i remember going in one day, and telling Margaret, the woman operating the crane, to 'take her time, i needed a 45 
’
the crane came along, lifted my box off, took it to the stacks, picked up my import box and brought it back
Margaret came along and started lowering the container, got it to about 3 inches from the trailer, and the crane broke down for 2 1/2 hours 
it was that close, i could have raised the suspension and grabbed the ■■■■■■ thing
^^^ aint that always the way?
was in the slot at Thamesport on another occasion, long enough to strip the dash out of a DAF 95XF, remove the heater motor, spray WD40 on the motor to free it up as it kept sticking, and refit the motor and dash before the container arrived 
If you do house moves make sure the box is clean and dry and you can guaranty it will be in a dead end and on your blind side and you get some farms in the south west were its best to walk the road I did hunter stoves near bude I thought they were joking but I made it but gained a few hedges and lost a wheel arch
shuttlespanker:
was in the slot at Thamesport on another occasion, long enough
Lol I replaced the heater motor on a Daf 85 at Asda at Washington much to the amusement of the security guards watching me on camera and wondering if I knew where all the bits went that were mounting up on the bunk.
all we need now is for tilbury to get there arse in gear and the jobs a good one
I loved being a box jockey. It was so easy I felt guilty I was doing such an easy job with no manual labour whilst in my twenties. It was ideal at the time due to circumstances. I did prefer the variety of general haulage and enjoyed getting involved with loading etc, but didn’t miss the hassle and rush that went with multi drop and felt I’d done enough general (even got to briefly try my hand at roping and sheeting! (very badly)) before I moved onto containers. Such a shame to hear the little grain is a ghost town. Many a happy evening pulling in and out of there working for a subby of DHL, grabbing a bite at the cafe before pulling out.