COVID-19 Update: US Market
Janel Group is receiving regular updates from our airline partners on freighter and passenger flights that are still operating. Space remains scarce and we recommend customers book shipments ready to move as the information becomes available. Pricing will depend on cargo readiness and shipment size and remains highly unpredictable. We also learned that airlines will start enforcing penalties for cargo that is booked but not tendered for shipment.
New York / New Jersey
The Port of New York and New Jersey is open and operating normally. Apart from a closure on March 17th for an ILA Holiday, all truck gates are operational during regularly scheduled hours; with minor modifications for interacting with vessel crew and truckers. There has been no impact to intermodal rail capabilities, and none are expected at this time. Our drayage truck partners are operating at full strength and not experiencing driver shortages.
Los Angeles / Long Beach
Congestion at the terminals - Yard space is overburdened with empty containers and export cargo awaiting vessels post blank sailings. Getting and returning empties is challenging. Reefer equipment is scarce! Some carriers (2M) are re-positioning empty containers back to Asia. Each terminal appears to be open 4-5 days per week. However, Long Beach has closed most of their administrative buildings. Our truckers are working normally and plan to do so as the terminals remain open.
Mid-West
Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio report shortages of all container equipment.
Boston / New England
At this time, there are no reported operational changes other than health safety and security related measures.
South East
ATL Airport Situation: All airport ground handlers, counters and warehouse staff remain at full capacity., Additional staffing is being added in anticipation of additional workload and volumes. This includes both airlines direct warehouses (DL/LH, etc.) and 3rd party warehouse locations (Swissport, etc.,) both air inbound and outbound. There is no delay to import cargo availability (other than the normal volume and marshaling yard wait time.)
The particular ports of CHS, SAV, WIL, JAX, MIA, and corresponding CY and rail heads, etc. terminal space and volumes remain stable. Staffing and equipment capacity has increased to insure a quicker processing time of cargo turn around and vessel availability and loading on the inbound and outbound side. All drivers are being geared for electronic documents and screened before entry for any illness to the best of the ports ability.
Port of Virginia
The Port of Virginia has implemented a cross divisional planning and response team to meet the demands of the recent COVID-19 event. In partnership with EZ Texting the Port of Virginia (POV) is launching a new text alert notification system, designed to keep you informed regarding daily operating schedules, processes and conditions at all POV terminals and offices. This system is offered to all stakeholders free-of-charge. http://www.portofvirginia.com/
US Gulf
Shortages of dry containers.
Local Government Agencies
CBP, FDA, USA, ATF, EPA, etc. ATL/CHS/MIA/CLT remains at normal hours with increased officers and inspectors on site the airport for screening assistance as well as the cargo side to assist current volumes along with the expected increase in charter flights.
Non-essential workers are working from home and most lobby visits have been severely limited to runner services.
Airlines
Services from all airlines are presently adjusted as needed, in response to government travel directives. Delta is temporarily suspending service from Los Angeles to Sydney, Buenos Aires, San Salvador, Guatemala City and other Central American destinations.
Germany
Yesterday the European Commission issued new guidelines to member states to try and ensure European freight movements continue unimpeded.
Operation of international road transportation remains without restrictions. Our German partner informed that drivers are advised to protect themselves when loading/unloading and to limit contact with other people.
South Africa
The S.A. cabinet took a decision to declare a national state of Disaster under the Disaster Management Act. The commercial vessel operations will continue to function across all sea-ports. One of the measures announced is the closure of two sea-ports to passenger vessels and crew changes. There will be no crew changes at any South African ports.
The entire Janel Group team remains vigilant in reducing the effects of the pandemic on your supply chain and promises to continue regular communication with you during these difficult times.