Toronto, March 24, 2020
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve, Universal Logistics is doing everything we can to support our clients and to keep you informed of the ever changing business environment and how it is impacting our industry.
The following information has been gathered by mode of transport from news sources as of Tuesday, March 24, 2020:
COVID-19 – Universal Logistics fully operational
Further to the recent Canadian and U.S. government announcements regarding non-essential business closures, supply chain support services (transportation/distribution/logistics) have been declared essential services/businesses in the Canadian Provinces and U.S. States where we operate our own offices (Ontario, Quebec, New York and Ohio). As such, Universal Logistics Canada and Universal Logistics USA will continue to be in full operation.
BORDER UPDATES:
Canada-U.S. Border to Close to Non-Essential Travel; Trade Will Keep Moving
Non-essential travel includes, but is not limited to: tourism; recreation; shopping for non-essential goods; and/or sightseeing. All persons seeking entry into Canada for the purpose of commerce, trade, economic services and supply chains are being processed. This travel is essential and is not to be restricted.
U.S.-Mexico Border to Close; Trade Will Keep Moving
Following similar action along the Canadian border, the White House has closed the United States' border with Mexico to nonessential traffic, but is exempting trade and commerce from the ban.
Read more in an article from Transport Topics.
AIR UPDATES:
General Notice for Airfreight Rates & Storage
Airfreight rates have been soaring upwards as demand outstrips capacity. Airlines have been forced to ground aircraft due to a collapse of passenger traffic across the globe, which has drastically cut the available volume for cargo.
In response to the current announcement requiring non-essential Canadian companies to close their facilities, Air Canada Cargo has extened the current free time allotted to General Cargo storage in Canada from 2 to 10 days. Other airlines are expected to follow suit.
Air Canada Route Updates
Air Canada will continue to operate domestic and international flights with a reduced schedule for the month of April. For a full list of operating routes and route suspensions, please go to:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates/2020/china-travel.html#/na
This schedule is subject to change, as Air Canada continues to monitor demand and government restrictions on travel.
Air Canada Cargo Restrictions on Live Animal Shipments during Pandemic
Due to flight schedule changes and cancellations, Air Canada Cargo will not accept live animal bookings effective today until further notice.
Current bookings will be honoured when possible, depending on flight capabilities.
OCEAN UPDATES:
Port of Vancouver COVID-19 Update
On-dock and off-dock operations throughout the Port of Vancouver remain fluid. Weather, storage capacity and export container and bulk cargo movement continue to be favourable.
High anchorage demand continues while vessel activity remains fluid.
Port of Montreal COVID-19 Update
Freight transport operations are running at full capacity. No cancellations have occurred, and rail transport continues as scheduled. Road transport and terminal operations are ongoing. We will continue to follow Transport Canada guidelines and monitor the impact of COVID-19 on Port operations.
Port of Halifax COVID-19 Update
The Halifax Port Authority is in close contact with partners and health agencies following the novel coronavirus pandemic. There are currently no restrictions at any terminals under Halifax Port Authority jurisdiction. As a Canadian Port Authority, we take our direction from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Transport Canada and will provide any updates as required. At this stage there are no operational changes. Click here for more information.
RAIL AND TRUCK UPDATES:
Trucking Demand Surges as Retailers Restock
Demand is spiking for inland trucking capacity, as grocers and retailers look to restock their shelves with critical goods amid the COVID-19 outbreak. DAT's load-to-truck ratio, a measure of demand, was up 31% for vans and 33% for reefers between March 9 and March 15.
The trucking spot market has seen an increase in demand that is "directly attributable" to the outbreak and the resulting consumer buying response, said Ken Adamo, chief of analytics at DAT.
Industry leading carriers are setting new protocols for the physical handling of freight, and we expect carriers as a whole to start to implement similar procedures with immediate effect:
To learn more of what carriers are implementing to stop the spread of Covid-19 please refer to:
CN COVID-19 UPDATE
Canada - United States Border Remains Open to Rail
While non-essential travel over the U.S./Canadian border has been temporarily closed, the transportation of goods by train between the two countries is open & protected.
Port Gateways Remain Fluid for Import and Export Trade
All CN served port gateways on the West and East coasts of Canada, and Southern U.S., remain fluid:
CP COVID-19 UPDATE
CP's service is not currently impacted by COVID-19; its trains continue to operate throughout North America.
For more information, please feel free to contact us directly.
COVID-19 Response Team
Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations & Business Development
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1212 Email: markglionna@universallogistics.ca
John Leis, Director – Client Relations
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1215 Email: jleis@universallogistics.ca
Paul Glionna, Vice President – Systems Development & Operations
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1220 Email: pglionna@universallogistics.ca
Chris Cartan, Director – Operations
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1237 Email: ccartan@universallogistics.ca
David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1207 Email: dlychek@universallogistics.ca
Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1308 Email: dmcguire@universallogistics.ca
William Sanchez, Manager – Truck Services
Tel. (905) 882-4880, ext. 1224 Email: wsanchez@universallogistics.ca
Vickey Ison, Office Manager – Cleveland
Tel. (440) 360-7850, ext. 100 Email: vison@universallogisticsusa.com