TCS is located on the river Thames, and covers an area in excess of 32 hectares. It holds a commanding position, fronting on to the riverside at Northfleet Hope, from which the berth takes its name. Originally designed, and built, to cater for the very high percentage of reefer cargoes generated by the Australia/New Zealand trades. TCS remains as one of the largest purpose built reefer terminal in the northern hemisphere.

The terminal was inaugurated in 1968, and the original berth, built more than thirty years ago, still remains and is located immediately opposite the newer riverside berths. This makes for a neat, highly efficient terminal, making full use of the flow line pattern achieved by the shape of the container stacking areas. Its shape, and geographical location makes TCS an ideal hubbing centre for all types of cargo.

TCS is proud of the fact that it was the first UK container terminal to be accredited by Lloyds Register of Quality to ISO 9001 and 14001. This commitment is further recognised, in TCS having now been approved to the revised ISO 9001 - 2000 standard. The same commitment to quality is supported by an equal emphasis on maintaining the company's position, at the leading edge of container handling, by its investment in people and technology.

This philosophy is very well illustrated by the fleet of ultra modern, diesel electric straddle carriers. The carriers are all linked, by RDT (radio data transmission), to the computerised yard management system; that is so comprehensive and powerful, that it can also plan the ship, not just in Tilbury, but for the vessel's round voyage.