admin, Author at The Cooperative News

Shine Logistics moves a project cargo consisting of raw materials for car parts from Incheon, Korea, to Barcelona, Spain

Posted on 24 April, 2020 | by admin

The shipment weighed 41.104 MT and had a length of 4 meters

Shine Logistics, a Coop member in Seoul, South Korea, has recently moved a project cargo from Incheon, South Korea, to Barcelona, Spain. The shipment which consisted of steel round bars had a total weight of 41.104 MT and a length of 4 meters was sent out from Incheon International Airport to Barcelona, Spain.

The Shine Logistics team, which has recently celebrated its 16th Anniversary, is also regularly collaborating with Coop members in Thailand, Australia, Bangladesh, Taiwan etc. “Our business is expanding more and more since we started our membership with the Cooperative Network. We are also handling various steel products such as STS coils, steel bars, steel plates, steel sheets, wire rods etc and Coop members can always depend on our team for handling all sorts of cargoes whether it is by sea or air.” Mr. Chan-Bin Im, the President of Shine Logistics, stated.

Congratulations to Shine Logistics and wishing them the best for the future!

World’s logistics scenario during COVID-19

Posted on 17 April, 2020 | by admin

Due to the Coronavirus expansion, many ports, airports and customs duties worldwide have been affected by the lockdowns in several countries. In order to keep you posted about the world’s logistics scenario during COVID-19, we have compiled the below information about the world’s logistics scenario these days.

*Please note that the information comes from the data members have provided us with. If you notice that thTere is something wrong or that there is information that needs to be updated, please send us an email at mserrano@thecooperativelogisticsnetwork.com.

You can also find useful information about the worldwide COVID-19 Global Port Restrictions Situation that Wilhelmsen has created here.

LAST UPDATE. 24th April 2020

COUNTRY	WHEN	LOCKDOWN DATES	PORTS	AIRPORTS	CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
ARGENTINA	NOW	Originally from March 20th till March 31st. Extended till April 26th.	Ports are operating normally. Import and Export cargoes are being delivered and loaded as usual. Shipping lines are working with limited staff and they have reduced operation hours which could cause some delays for cargoes release. In Argentina original BL are mandatory.	Only aircraft flights are authorized to operate, passenger flights are not allowed. Lufthansa, Qatar, Lan Airlines, Avianca, Qatar, Atlas and Martinair are operating regular aircrafts to Buenos Aires.	Our customs is working with limited staff so the focus is on essential items (pharma, foods and perishable). The other products are being released but could suffer delays in customs procedures.
ARGENTINA	EXPECTED	Government could extend the lockdown but it´s not official yet. On the other hand, it´s expected other industries will be authorized to restart operations.	Some Shipping lines are starting to release cargoes online.	Aerolineas Argentinas is also coordinating sanitary flights with cargoes. Regular flights will not operate during this month.	After April 26 customs should increase the available staff to avoid more delays.
AUSTRALIA	NOW	No lockdowns	All Australian ports are operating for import/export, LCL/FCL.	Airports are still open for import/export cargo	Customs offices are working normally
AUSTRALIA	EXPECTED	No changes	No changes	No changes	No changes
BANGLADESH	NOW	Started from 26th March, extended till 25th April.	Chattogram & Mongla ports are working partially, as a result of huge congestion of vessels waiting berthing.	In Dhaka & Chattogram, the commercial flights operations have been suspended till 30th April. Freighters are operated on demand basis.	They are working partially.
BANGLADESH	EXPECTED	The government considers further extension	Port operation may come to halt due to space constraints to store containers.	The lockdown can be extended further.	This situation may continue till lockdown is eased.
BELGIUM	NOW	Until 19/04	Fully operational	Fully operational – less capacity due to no passenger flights	Fully operational (electronic)
BELGIUM	EXPECTED	An extension is foreseen until 03/05 or 11/05	It will remain fully operational	It will remain fully operational, however, limited due to less capacity.	It will remain the same (paperless).
BRAZIL	NOW	Brazil does not have a lockdown declared by the Federal Government itself. The provinces/states are delivering each order for the lockdown. Till now, the lockdown is declared until April, 22nd. Santa Catarina state decreed Emergency situation up to May 30th.	Several Airlines’ services were canceled – which caused a huge backlog of cargo waiting to be exported. Prices of services have increased a lot, space is decreasing on a daily basis. To receive imports, airport facilities are working properly. PAX flights have severely been reduced and some Airlines cancelled 100% of its calls in April.	Several Airlines’ services were canceled – which caused a huge backlog of cargoes waiting to be exported. Prices of services have increased a lot, space is decreasing on a daily basis. To receive imports, airport facilities are working properly.	Working properly without big changes. Some small delays can happen but the release of cargo is still happening normally. Additionally, there have been some small changes when dealing with customers, in order to avoid physical contact, but this is not affecting the customer service.
BRAZIL	EXPECTED	Brazil has not reached the peak of contamination yet. If it so happens, most probably this lockdown will be extended until middle of May, or maybe until the end of the month.		Probably this situation may continue until the end of April. Airlines are trying to figure out how to manage this situation without being more affected. Some airlines estimates they will be able to come back operating PAX flights on May but it will be followed in the coming weeks	Medical, pharma and PPE products used to avoid the spread of Covid are top priority on customs releases.
CAMBODIA	NOW	No lockdown currently. Most companies (50%) are working from home.	Fully operational, but a little bit slower	Fully operational, but a little bit slower	The scenario is similar with 50% of the staff working from home
CAMBODIA	EXPECTED	No changes	No changes	No changes	No changes
CAMEROON	NOW	From 18th March, until new open order.		Only freighter aircrafts are allowed.	Customs agents are focusing on clearance of all commodities.
CAMEROON	EXPECTED
CHILE	NOW	National lockdowns and local sanitary measures are set.	The ports are working normally Container depots are working with less staff than usual, so the process is slower. Shipping companies are working from home and documentation is processed online. Customers have successfully removed their loads.	The international flights do not have a fixed itinerary anymore, so they need to be checked regularly.	Customs Clearance is working normally Warehouses are working with limited schedule.
CHILE	EXPECTED	Every week, the government establishes the regulation according to the pandemic situation
COLOMBIA	NOW	From 14th to 27th April	Buenaventura, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla, are working normally, taking all the safety precautions for human resource working on all the process.	Bogota International Airport is only operating local flights for cargo shipments. All passenger flights are cancelled.	Customs systems are working normally, since the main processes are done under government platform and all involved companies are able to work virtually.
COLOMBIA	EXPECTED	The lockdown could be extended depending on the evolution of the curve of infected, recovery of sick patients and deaths, as well as the increased capacity for immediate attention in clinics, with special equipments.	The lockdown could be extended depending on the evolution of curve of infected, recovery of sick patients and deaths.	The lockdown could be extended depending on the evolution of the curve of infected, recovery of sick patients and deaths.	The lockdown could be extended depending on the evolution of the curve of infected, recovery of sick patients and deaths.
EGYPT	NOW	Lockdown until April 26.	All ports are working normally	Only 4 airlines are active with limited destination for cargo freighters. Passenger freighters are completely shut down.	Active with limited time and employee capacity
EGYPT	EXPECTED	No vision to extend or decline	No possibility of lockdown	No changes	Till now it is till end of April with no vision to extend or decline.
FRANCE	NOW	From 17th March to 13th April Extended from 13th Apr to 11th May	French ports are working	Only freighter aircrafts are allowed.	Due to limited staff, all the customs offices are focussing on the clearance of essential items (pharma and perishable). They can still declare other products but delays are to be expected.
FRANCE	EXPECTED	For the moment, no more information after 11th May		Rates given shipment per shipment only *WARNING : INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM AIRLINES => RATES ARE SUBJECT TO THE EVOLUTION OF THE CAPACITY AND PRICING CONDITIONS TO ACCESS CAPACITY*
GERMANY	NOW	From 20/03/2020 to 19/04/2020 Today it has been extended until 3rd of May. Everyone from abroad who comes to Germany has to be under quarantine for 14 days before they are allowed to enter the country.	Most ports are working normally without any restriction, but few delays may happen due to less manpower	All German airports have been operating regularly throughout this period. The only restriction is that some airlines don’t accept road feeder services from Frankfurt/Main to other national airports. It’s very difficult to get space from China to Germany and the rates may increase. Furthermore it’s very difficult to get space from Germany to the US and to Oceania. Therefore these rates may also increased.	Almost normal, due to the digital process. Most of the officers are working from home and it’s even faster than before. Only customs clearance of some medical equipment is sometimes difficult and takes additional time, especially for face masks, medical gloves etc.
GERMANY	EXPECTED	Partial lockdown: safety distance between persons 1.5m; not more than 2 persons in one group inside and outside; all shops, bars, restaurants are closed. Only supermarkets, pharmacies and hospitals are opened. Limited entrance in stores, pharmacies and supermarkets. On 15/04 the government announced the first steps in undoing the coronavirus lockdown up to 4th May	Lack of empty containers, a few blank sailings. No other restrictions to be expected.	There are no restrictions to be expected and hopefully after the 4th of May the situation from China and to the US and Oceania will relax.	Import clearance seems to be working a bit faster, physical inspection of cargo by customs authorities is down to a minimum
GREECE	NOW	For the general public, the present end-of-lockdown date is 27/04. Most offices operate with emergency staff and services are working remotely from home.	Operating normally, but operations take more time, due to the Covid protection measurements.	Flight suspensions until 15th May for the countries from/to; Italy, Spain, Turkey, UK, Netherlands and Germany. Only freighter aircrafts and Turkish Airlines are allowed due to lack of cargo and just limited freighters are coming in.	Operating normally, with some delays due to limited staff and Eastern (working in shifts): Thessaloniki customs : Import from 08.00 till 13.00 & exports from 08.00 till 15.00. Piraeus customs: Imports from 08.00 till 15.30 & exports from 08.00 till 15.30.
GREECE	EXPECTED	Given that the cases aren’t tremendously high, there is no further information regarding extension. In fact, there is a preliminary government plan for a gradual restart as of 3rd May / 10th May	Vessel congestion & delays in vessels arrivals, berthings and departure.	No changes	No changes
GUATEMALA	NOW	From March 17th to April 19th. Curfew from 16:00 hrs to 04:00 A.M. Applied to civilians, not to transport of import and export cargo. However, there is a big traffic restriction within Guatemala city, limited from 04:00 am to 9:00 am and from 14:00 to 16:00 pm	Operating normally with enhanced safety precautions	Passenger flights are suspended. Cargo flights operating normally with enhance safety precautions.	Customs Clearance at ports continues operating normally with enhanced safety precautions. Customs at airport and fiscal warehouse at Guatemala city are working with a special schedule.
GUATEMALA	EXPECTED	On sunday 19th, new actions will be annouced.	No expected changes	No expected changes	No expected changes
*INDIA (Last updated information at the end of the article)**	NOW	From 24/03 to 14/04 Extended until 3rd May	Most of Indian ports are working. Vessels arriving from infected areas are being subjected to 14 days quarantine. Except for those activities that can be made online, there is a lack of manpower.	Only freighter aircrafts are allowed and, due to lack of cargo, just limited freighters are coming in. Emirates will start operating its passenger flights as freighters. Qatar has announced an enhanced passenger freighter schedule but the amount of cargo available is still uncertain. Turkish Airlines has the maximum number of freighters in India.	Due to the limited staff, all the customs offices are focusing only on clearance of essential items (pharma and perishable); very few officials are reporting for duty; only the containers with factory stuffing permission or those containing emergency items are allowed to be cleared; and, even if the clearances are done, there is no transportation available. The local administration is not permitting the staff to reach the ports, airports, CFSs or ICDs to carry out the clearance. Export LCL consoles are deferred to later vessels
	EXPECTED	Possible extension	The ports are expected to work with the government officials and the local police administrations to ensure that staff engaged in supply chain activities are given special permits and can report to duty.	The transportation embargo needs to be lifted, in order to be able to get the freighters announced by the various airlines, since the air cargo complexes will not have the space to receive the cargo. Airlines are also cancelling freighters because they do not have enough outbound cargo from India.	In order to improve this situation, the transportation embargo needs to be lifted
IRELAND	NOW	Working and travel restrictions in place until the 5th of May for all non-essential services Transportation is classed as an essential service and remains fully operational For further information, see list of essential services/businesses allowed to operate	All Major Ports and Ferry/Container Freight services continue to operate for cargo Associated domestic Road Freight & Drayage services continue to operate as normal	Passenger flights have been significantly reduced affecting cargo capacity Cargo flights continue to operate Cargo into or out of Ireland can be routed via other European Airports by truck Associated Road Freight services, including Express pickup & delivery, continue to operate as normal	Customs Clearance processes operating as normal “Critical pharmaceutical products and medicines will be given a Customs ‘green routing’ to facilitate uninterrupted importation and supply” according to Department of Revenue (Irish Customs Authority) on 08/04/2020
IRELAND	EXPECTED	By the 5th of May it is expected Irish Government will announce either continuation or easing of current restrictions, along with an indication of what to expect in the near future	At present we expect Sea Ports, Sea Freight services and associated Drayage/Road Freight services to continue to operate as normal	We hope to have an update regarding cargo capacity after the 5th of May If Travel restrictions are lifted or eased, flights may increase along with cargo capacity. We expect associated Road Freight services, including Express pickup & delivery, to continue to operate as normal	At present we expect Customs Clearance processes to continue as normal
ITALY	NOW	March 9th, until May 3rd.	All Italian ports are operative. No specific handling is required due to Covid-19. After some strikes incurred, situation got to normality. Main problems come from vessels’ delays.	Only freighter aircrafts are allowed and, due to lack of cargo, just limited freighters are operating. Rates are still high, and spaces limited.	Customs is operating as usual. The possible delays are caused by lack of workers, even if the average timing for arranging clearance is on standard.
ITALY	EXPECTED	The government may open some activities before May 3rd.	The ports are expected to get more workers back to improve the operations. Government is supposed to provide a list of accepted and mandatory procedures to be followed during the workflow.	In order to get cargo and improve the situation, some airlines are partially operating by using their passenger flights as freighters. This reduces the waiting and makes tariffs slightly less expensive.	In order to improve this situation, some workers may get back to work. Possible delays may be caused by lack of trucking services which are missing due to lack of imports.
KENYA	NOW	No lockdown.	Mombasa port is working normally from 8.00 am to 3:00 pm	JKIA working hours are: 8.00 am to 3:00pm. Hours have been reduced due to the curfew at night from 7:00pm to 5:00 am. Inbound passenger flights have been cancelled due to huge drop in cargo volume. Export: Due to the absence of passenger flights and the drop in demand for flowers, very few carriers are landing at JKIA, and as a result, freight rates have skyrocketed. Therefore, because of high rates, the volume of inbound cargo has been reduced tremendously.	Working normally but with time limitation from 8.00 am to 3:00 pm
KENYA	EXPECTED	Not expected.
MALAYSIA	NOW	From 14th April to 28th April.	Most of Malaysian ports are working. Vessels arriving from infected areas are being subjected to 14 days quarantine. Except for those activities that can be made online, there is a lack of manpower	Only freighter aircrafts are allowed and, due to lack of cargo, just limited freighters are coming in. All passenger flights both inbound and outbound are not allowed.	Our customs offices work as normal from 8.30am until 8.30pm and are focusing and priority for essential cargo. Those importers and exporters for non-essential must have approval from MITI.
MALAYSIA	EXPECTED	The government will consider for extension if the cases still increase by end of CMO.	The ports are expected to work with the government officials and the local police administrations to ensure that staff engaged in supply chain activities are given special permits and can report to duty.	The transportation embargo needs to be lifted, in order to be able to get the freighters announced by the various airlines, since the air cargo complexes will not have the space to receive the cargo. Airlines are also cancelling freighters because they do not have enough outbound cargo from PEN & KUL.	In order to improve this situation, the transportation and the manufacture sector requested to obtain approval from Government.
MAURITIUS	NOW	From 20th March till 15th April. It has been extended till 04th May.	Mauritius’ ports are working. Suspected vessels are kept 14 days in quarantine, but most of the manpower is working from home.	Mauritian boundaries are closed due to lock down. There is no flight due to lockdown.	Work permit has been approved by the government for essential services. Due to shortage of staff , customs clearance is focusing on essential items.
MAURITIUS	EXPECTED	The government has extended the lockdown because the number of cases has increased. The government does not rule out a possible extension.	The government has issued work permit for essential services so that employees can report to duty. Sanitary precaution is being taken.There is assistance of police officers.	Possible extension is not ruled out by the government	Situation will be same until lockdown is over.
MEXICO	NOW	Government has declared a “contingency” period. All essential activities – such as logistics and transportation – must keep working on regular basis. Many companies are working from home, while operations at ports & airports are operating with their respective protection recommendations. Some non-essential industries have not stopped any activities, some of them have only reduced their operations by 50%.	Fully operational	Fully operational	Fully operational
MEXICO	EXPECTED	No changes, keep working as usual.	No changes	No changes	No changes
OMAN	NOW	From 15/03/2020 – complete lock down of capital (Muscat Area) partial lockdown in other parts of the governorates. Only essential services will be allowed to function viz hospitals, pharmacy, foodstuff, cargo and logistics.	No lockdown – all sea ports are working normally with reduced work force – hence there are delays in cargo movements.	All Airports shut on 23/03/2020 for passenger flights including for domestic flights. However cargo aircrafts are still operating.	Normal – with reduced work force
OMAN	EXPECTED	Expected to continue until the end of April or may go up to 1st week of May.	As per the Ministry of Transport, sea ports will not be included in the lock down and therefore no hindrance is expected in cargo movements.	Current arrangements will be maintained unless situation demands.	No lockdown
PANAMA	NOW	Total quarantine indefinitely since March 24th, 2020. The government has placed limited movement on several business sectors. The shipping industry is still able to operate as imports are needed for food and medical supplies.	Panama Maritime Authority has raised the level of protection of the ports from NP1 to NP2, but they are working normally. Shipping companies are working in their home office, but their departures and arrivals remain problem-free.	Export: Passenger flights are not allowed. Only cargo flights such as DHL, UPS, AVIANCA, FEDEX, KLM are still in operation, but their schedules have been adjusted. Import: Only freighter aircraft are allowed, the operation and warehouse in the airport have reduced hours from 8:00 am to 15:00. Arrangements must be made in advance	All the customs offices are working with few officers in reduced hours of 8:00 am to 15:00.
PANAMA	EXPECTED	The government will take the necessary measures depending on how things develop	There will be s reduction in demand and consequently, there will be adjustments to sailings on some of their services. Some shipping companies will be implementing digital “Release”.	Some airlines could be closing their operation if they don’t have enough inbound and outbound cargo. Passenger flights will be opening again on April 22nd until further notice	Customs will be implementing new payment services. All special permits and approvals of entities will be processed by email.
POLAND	NOW	Originally from March 13th till further notice. Some branches of businesses and some factories are closed. Some are working with limited staff (for example customs and port authorities) or are working online (like the shipping lines, forwarders).	Ports are operating normally. Import and Export cargoes are being delivered and loaded as usual. Shipping lines are working with limited staff and they have reduced operation hours which could cause some delays for cargoes release.	Only cargo flights are authorized to operate but in very limited volume. Passenger flights are not allowed. Majority of cargo is going by road from hub airports in Germany.	Our customs is working with limited staff. Delays may occur in customs procedures.
POLAND	EXPECTED	Government will lift the lockdown but it’s not told when exactly – it will depend on the pandemic situation It’s expected that business will be authorized to restart operations in 4 steps. We’re now at the 1st step. Some factories are starting work now. In the next step, hotels and cultural institutions will start operating to be followed by catering shopping malls and other services.	Shipping lines prefer to release cargoes online.	Regular flights not operating yet as borders are closed till at least 3rd of May 2020.	Limited staff will be kept until further notice.
PORTUGAL	NOW	From March 24th until April 17th. This week, it is expected to be extended until 3rd May.	Open for cargo only with some restrictions and some possible delays, but they are working normally.	Only opened for cargo with restrictions: PAX very limited Most cargo arrives and departs by truck. Only freighter planes are operating. Very difficult to find space for cargo. Import unloading procedures for trucks can take up to 4 days.	Working normally with some restrictions, due to 50% of personnel working remotely. Due to this limited staff, some delays can be expected. Essential items have priority. The local administration is not permitting the staff to reach the ports or airports. Red channel inspections need special permits.
PORTUGAL	EXPECTED	The government does not rule out a possible extension, however they are in the process of studying reduction on the restrictive measures.	The government does not rule out a possible extension, however they in the process of studying reduction on the restrictive measures.	The government does not rule out a possible extension, however they in the process of studying reduction on the restrictive measures.	The government does not rule out a possible extension, however they in the process of studying reduction on the restrictive measures.
RUSSIA	NOW	March 16th, until April 30th		Service mostly by freighter aircrafts or road feeder service to European hubs. PRG airport handles only a few flights per day	There is a lack of customs officers due to the current situation, so we have experienced some delays in customs process.
RUSSIA	EXPECTED	Government will ease lockdown gradually till June		Depends rather on the situation in the rest of the world	We expect that the situation will be back to normal within few weeks
SAUDI ARABIA	NOW	March 16th 2020 untill further information.	All Saudi Arabia sea ports are working. Vessels arriving, berthing, discharging imports & loading exports. Very limited imports & exports due to flights shortage.	Very limited imports & exports due to flights shortage.	Very limited staff of customs authorities. Saudi customs system is supporting the clearing agents to do the procedures very smoothly either for import or export shipments.
SAUDI ARABIA	EXPECTED	No official circular so far.	Expecting to minimize the working hours, and providing special permits for the staffs related to supply chain & stevedores activities.	The future situation is unclear, as it depends on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the general commercial and economic sector	It depends on government decisions.
SLOVENIA	NOW	March 20.03, until TBA Rail freight traffic and road traffic (Despite certain limitations in neighbouring countries and on-road border crossings) are running normally. To support the road sector, the Ministry of Infrastructure has suspended the limitation for truck traffic in Slovenia – vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of more than 7,500 kg can operate on Sundays and non-working days from 8 am to 9 pM.	The port remains fully operational. The Port of Koper is fully operational despite various safety and protective measures. The border post control and customs authorities are working 24/7 and are ensuring safe traffic of goods. The logistic route through the Port of Koper and through Slovenia is working reliably without disruptions.	The Government has banned passenger air traffic in Slovenia until 27th April, 2020. The ban doesn’t apply to cargo traffic, special air transports without passengers and specific government flights. Other possible exceptions will be carried out upon permission of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.	The customs authorities are working 24/7 and in compliance with safety measures are ensuring safe traffic of goods.
SLOVENIA	EXPECTED	TBA
SOUTH AFRICA	NOW	Currently under full lockdown. Only essential Services/Business can open. We are considered an Essential Business, so we can open warehouses, for example. However, the majority of staff are working from home and can function fully.	Only Essential Goods such food and medicines can be transported and delivered to consignees. Sea ports are working, although at reduced capacity.	Airports are also functioning, but NO passenger flights arriving or leaving, only Freighters. Very limited airfreight capacity into, and out of, South Africa.	Only Essential Goods such as food and medicine can be transported and delivered to consignees. All other goods can be Customs cleared but have to be placed in storage, at a cost. The Non-Essential goods cannot be delivered to, or collected from, consignees/shippers.
SOUTH AFRICA	EXPECTED	This lockdown is expected to continue until the end of April. It could be extended but there is no official word on that yet.	The above situation is expected to remain in place for the next two weeks. After that, in May, some easing of restrictions is expected, but we will still have some sort of ‘shut down’ measures still in place.	The above situation is expected to remain in place for the next two weeks. After that, in May, some easing of restrictions is expected, but we will still have some sort of ‘shut down’ measures still in place.	The above situation is expected to remain in place for the next two weeks. After that, in May, some easing of restrictions is expected, but we will still have some sort of ‘shut down’ measures still in place.
SOUTH KOREA	NOW	No lockdown. Due to other countries’ lockdown policies, many people are working at home.	Fully operational	Fully operational	Fully operational
SOUTH KOREA	EXPECTED	No changes	No changes	No changes	No changes
SPAIN	NOW	Lockdown extended until May 9th. Factories are open (essential & non essential). Working from home when possible	Customs, ports, airports, road & rail transport are operating normally.	Customs, ports, airports, road & rail transport are operating normally.	Customs, ports, airports, road & rail transport are operating normally.
SPAIN	EXPECTED	The government has announced that this new lockdown extension will come with some ease in restrictions	No changes	No changes	No changes
SRI LANKA	NOW	Still the situation is under control. Thanks to the forces and health officials who’re doing their best to eradicate this pandemic from Sri Lanka. To promote public safety, the government has implemented new laws and regulations for the inbound sector.	The Colombo port is operating normally.	Airports have suspended transporting passengers until further notice. However, they’re operating to bring back citizens of Sri Lankan from other countries under the direct guidance of the President.	Imports are really limited.They have given the green light for essential items such as fuel and medicine etc.
SRI LANKA	EXPECTED
SWEDEN	NOW	No lockdowns.	All ports are open, there is deficit of equipment for export, some feeders are cancelled. Operations as usual.	All airports are open, very few direct lines from ARN/ GOT /MMX. Quite many shipments must go down to Franktfurt or Amsterdam	All good, smooth operations as usual
SWEDEN	EXPECTED	No changes. Authorities just recommend to work from home if possible.	No changes	No changes	No changes
SWITZERLAND	NOW	Until April 26.		Most passenger flights are cancelled due to COVID-19. At the moment following airlines are flying to ZRH. QR / EK / SQ / TK / AF / KL / LH / AY / LX to PVG / PEK / EWR / NRT RFS Service: CV / RU / LH / AF / KL and many more	Customs has limited staff. Due to electronical submision of the declarations no delays are expected and all kind of goods can be customs cleared.
SWITZERLAND	EXPECTED	Most factories are working as normal. Sometimes late replies from our customers due to home office work or limited staff.		Delivery and pick up trucks are running normally	Normal working hours
TAIWAN	NOW	No lockdowns.	Normal situation	Normal situation	Limited route and space , import / export all OK.
TAIWAN	EXPECTED	No changes	No changes	No changes	No changes
THAILAND	NOW	April 03rd to April 30th or until further notice Curfew: 10.00 PM – 04.00 AM	Normal processes at ports for import and export Some borders are open	Thailand extends the period of ban on international flights to Thailand till 30th April. Only freighter aircrafts are allowed and, due to lack of cargo, just limited freighters are coming in. For export to Thailand they have limited flights. Flights need to be checked case by case.	Working as normal process, but there might be some delays in booking and final BL, since some carriers are working from home. For export, Thailand Government has the control of priority goods, such as masks, hand sanitizers.
THAILAND	EXPECTED	Possible extension	No changes	No changes	It is highly advisable to book in advance
THE NETHERLANDS	NOW	Partial lockdown continues until 20th May. Schools and kinder gardens will reopen on May 11, for children below 12. High schools, sport clubs for kids below 12 and bewteen 12 and 18 (keeping the the 1.5m distance) may reopen as well. Bars, restaurants, non-essencial shops remain closed. Festivals and soccer competitions are forbidden till September. Businesses are running normally but workers are requested to home working when possible	Operational 24/7	Open for just freighters. Operational 24/7, some warehouses are increasing the costs due to Covid-19 to keep the operation going as good as possible. Airlines are not on schedule; all options are on request and subject to change.	Operational 24/07. Obviously it takes more time and delays are expected.
THE NETHERLANDS	EXPECTED	A new decision will be made on 20th May	No changes	No changes reported until now.	No changes are expected until April 28th, 2020.
TUNISIA	NOW	20th March – 4th April. Extended to April 19	Suspended	Suspended	Suspended
TUNISIA	EXPECTED	Government could extend the lockdown
TURKEY	NOW	There is no lockdown dates for logistics.	Working normally	Working normally	Working normally
TURKEY	EXPECTED	Not expected during April	Not expected during April	Not expected during April	Not expected during April
UAE	NOW	Lockdown dates until 18th April on below terms: As per UAE government work permit is issued only for listed vital industries till 18th April with working hours from 8.00 am to 14.00 hrs.	From 8.00 am to 14.00 hrs	From 8.00 am to 14.00 hrs	If it can be made online – no issues. If any custom inspection needs to be done, it has to be between 8.00 am to 14.00 hrs.
UAE	EXPECTED	The lockdown can be extended further	The lockdown can be extended further.	The lockdown can be extended further.	The lockdown can be extended further.
UK	NOW	Many companies are closed or have staff working from home. While organisations involved in essential supplies and support, such as freighting, are still working. Most factories are still producing and exporting, while some importers have closed, so space for storage is now in high demand.	UK Ports are working normally.	Airports are working normally for cargo, but delays can be expected on getting cargo.	Most of the brokers are working as normal.
UK	EXPECTED	The same scenario will continue for probably another month or more.	No changes.	More airlines are operating PAX as cargo flights, which should allow more capacity.	No changes.
USA – GENERAL	NOW	Dates vary by state. Most stay at home orders have been extended to April 30th.	All ports are operating normally. there are some slower response times, but overall there are no real delays, things are moving at airports and seaports along with local trucking and warehouses too. Some ports have adjusted their schedules to accommodate CDC directive on social distancing.	Other than very restricted carrier capacity, airports are not experiencing any delays in receiving or releasing goods. Some local truckers depending on the city have cut back service to and from the airports to only one morning and one evening run to collect and tender freight.	No issues
USA – GENERAL	EXPECTED	In the worst hit cities the date might be extended to 2nd week of May. In other less affected cities some form of normality will return by end of April for businesses.	No change to current situation on moving containers to and from the ports or rail heads are anticipated.	Although no delays in tendering or collecting cargo at present, the truckers who have cut service should start to resume normal services by the end of April.	No issues
USA – FLORIDA	NOW	Until 30th April. No lockdown presently in Miami, Fl for Logistics / Transportation companies	Miami and Port Everglades Open	Miami International Airport open	Working normally in Miami
USA – FLORIDA	EXPECTED
USA – LOS ANGELES	NOW	Los Angeles County Stay At Home order started on March 19th and is tentatively effective until May 15th, 2020	All Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals are operational and we are conducting business as usual with the exception of few cancelled shifts due to lack of volume	Airline Cargo Terminals are heavily congested due to current high demand of Air shipments. Truckers average waiting time is between 2-6 hours to pick up cargo.	There are some delays in release of shipments at exam warehouses. Other than the exam delays, customs entry filings and releases are currently at full strength.
USA – LOS ANGELES	EXPECTED	The Governor of California is expected to gradually lift the “Stay At Home” order soon.	Ports are expected to be fully operational as it was classified by the government as essential service.	Current congestion at Airline Cargo Terminals is expected to continue as importers are using air method to move urgent cargos especially PPE products	There are currently no foreseeable issues with customs clearance as most customs brokers are able to file entries remotely if they work from home.
USA – NEW YORK	NOW	Currently on “work-from-home” mandate. Dates are uncertain.	All major US ports are operating. Occasional 24 hr shut-down due to positive virus report for dock-worker. Reduced traffic.	Major airports operating with very limited traffic except for cargo. Congestion at JFK due to high NY infections and personnel shortages.	No interruption. Essential medical products being provided by expedited processing.
USA – NEW YORK	EXPECTED	Continued until pandemic abates.	Continued operations w/periodic interruption until pandemic is under control.	Continuing until pandemic is under control.	Continuing until pandemic is under control.

Last updated information about India (21st May 2020)

Airline Situation:

Please find below the matrix of Freighters availability for various carriers with frequency, capacity etc.

CARRIER	Emirates	Qatar	Etihad	Lufthansa	Turkish	Cathay	Ethiopian
SECTORS
Mumbai	Daily Flights	Weekly 4 Flights (MON/TUE/FRI/SAT)	Weekly 5 Flights (TUE/WED/THU/FRI/SUN)	No Flights	Weekly 4 Freighters (TUE/THU/SAT/SUN)	No Flights	Weekly 2 Freighters (Tue / Fri)
Chennai	Daily Flights	Weekly 5 flights (MON/WED/THU/FRI/SAT)	Weekly 3 Flights (MON/FRI/SAT)	Weekly 2 Freighters (Tue/Sun)	Weekly 2 Freighters (Wed/ Fri)	Weekly 4 Freighter (Tue/Wed/Fri/Sun)	Weekly 2 Freighter (Thu /Sun)
Delhi	Daily Flights	Daily 5 Freighter	Weekly 3 Flights (MON/THU / SUN)	No Flights	Weekly 3 Flights (MON/THU/SAT)	Weekly 2 Freighter (Thu/Sun)	Weekly Two Freighter (Mon/Sat)
Bengaluru	Daily Flights	Weekly 3 Flights (WED/THU/SAT)	Weekly 2 Flights (THU /SUN)	No Flights	Weekly 2 Flights (Tue/Sun)	Weekly 2 Flights (WED / SAT)	Weekly 2 Flights (WED / SAT)
Cochin	Weekly 2 flights (TUE / SAT)	Weekly 3 flights (MON/THU or WED/FRI)	Weekly 3 flights (MON/WED/SAT)	No Flights	No Flights	No Flights	No Flights
Kolkata	Daily Flight	Weekly 2 Flights	No Flights	No Flights	Daily flights	Weekly 2 flights	Weekly 1 flight
Hyderabad	Daily Flight	Weekly 3 Freighters (WED / FRI / SAT)	No Flights	No Flights	Weekly 3 Freighters (TUE /WED / FRI)	No Flights	No Flights
Ahmedabad	Weekly 4 Flights (TUE/WED/FRI/SAT)	Weekly 5 Flights (MON/TUE/THU/FRI/SAT)	No Direct Flights (bonded trucking service available till BOM airport)	No Flights	Weekly 2 Flights (THU/SUN)	No Direct Flights (bonded trucking service available till BOM airport)	Weekly 2 flights

Delta is also starting P2C flights from Mumbai to New York starting this week.

Note: Until now, mostly Middle East based carriers are operating regular Freighters. We understand some European carriers like BA / AF / LH may operate Freighters from Delhi, from this week onwards. We shall keep you posted about this later.

Port Situation:

Port / ICD’s	Detailed Summary
Nhava Sheva	CFS operating on minimum staff due to restrictions. Rail /Road transportation is improving but driver availability remains a concern.
ICD Delhi	Working with limited resources. Rail movement is normal with improved transit time.
Chennai	Port situation is getting normal. Port to CFS container movement is delayed due to shortage of drivers. Import cargo deliveries have picked up pace, exports are also picking up.
Kolkata	CFS movement is now being initiated by port in order to clear import containers. Same are being removed to port nominated CFS including Nepal bound units in order to avoid severe congestion. Non CFS empty yard is working with skeletal staff. Road movement is on the lesser side but picking up gradually. Local road movement with EXIM cargo has eased up than before.
ICD Hyderabad	CONCOR staff working as usual. Rail movement is normal with improved transit time.
ICD Ahmedabad	ICD Khodiyar and ICD Sanand functioning normal. Trailer movement happening in full fledge, the transport is functioning normal.
Mundra	CFS at Mundra is operational. Still there is shortage of drivers and labourers.
ICD Bengaluru	CONCOR working with 100% strength. Some development of inbound road movement to Marigold CFS taking place slowly this week. are still restrictions on the Inter-State movements. No disruption of rail services.
Tuticorin	CFS are working normally. Depots are functioning 24×7. Road transportation has been affected due to, truck/driver shortage. Export is getting increased when compared to previous weeks, import is normal but import delivery from CFS is picking up.
Cochin	Port functioning are normal. Trailer movement are happening in full-fledge.
Hazira	Port functioning is normal. There was a stoppage of work.

Customs in India – They are not working full-fledged. There is a roster system . Though there is a lot of relaxations in the formalities involved still it is a bottle neck for smooth exports and imports.

Transportation – There is a lot of vehicle idling because drivers have gone back to their villages and it does seem that they will be returning back soonest. Though the roads are empty there is a check point between every district for temperature . This means longer transits between locations.

Fercam Transportes moves a machine of 13 tons from Shanghai, China, to Tangier, Morocco

Posted on 17 April, 2020 | by admin

The heavy cargo required all the more attention as it was moved during the Christmas holidays

Fercam Transportes SA, a Coop member in Barcelona, Spain, has moved a machine weighing 13 tons from Shanghai, China, to Tangiers, Morocco during last Christmas. The shipment was first moved to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport in Germany from where the trucks of Fercam coordinated the cargo to Tangier.

Their team was responsible for various aspects of the shipment such as importing the cargo to HHN Germany, making customs arrangements, loading the shipment onto the Fercam truck to Algeciras in the south of Spain, transit completion and export clearance and finally loading the shipment on the ferry to the Port of Tanger Med.

As stated by Mr. Jesus Garcia, the Air and Ocean Freight Manager of Fercam Transportes, “We had to move the cargo to Frankfurt airport since no Spanish airport had the suitable crane for loading and unloading the 13 ton machine. Moreover, the entire operation was carried out from December 23rd to 25th which is the holiday season here. I would like to thank each and every member of my team for the impeccable planning and execution of this project!”

Congratulations to Fercam Transportes for the flawless execution of this complex project!

Indian ports and airports affected as COVID-19 lockdown hits operations

Posted on 7 April, 2020 | by admin

Following the lockdown imposed to tackle India’s COVID-19 outbreak, all the major ports are experiencing delays due to less manpower

The restrictions on the normal functioning of ports and airports in the world’s seventh-largest economy have left sellers in confusion regarding the flow of goods in and out of the country. Although shipping has been deemed an ‘essential service’ by the government, the shipments are being postponed in most of the major ports and terminals due to lack of manpower.

Lack of labour

As stated by PL Haranadh, the Deputy Chairman at Visakhapatnam Port Trust, one of the 12 major ports in India, “Operations have slowed because several staff may be reluctant to come to work fearing health issues. With limited resources, we’re doing our best to ensure that supplies of essential commodities, such as coal, crude oil and containers are maintained.” Although oil operations have so far remained unaffected, most of the ports in India are operating with minimal workforce.

Special cargo flights are operating

Presently all passenger aircrafts are banned although freighter aircrafts carrying cargo including medical equipment are being operated in various parts of the country. The main challenge is to move the cargo from air cargo complexes to the consignee warehouses for imports and sending the cargo to the air cargo complexes for exports. According to Sheen, the Team Leader of the International Business Department of FEI Cargo Ltd, “Unless the transportation embargo is not lifted, we doubt if the freighters announced by the various airlines will be able to come because the air cargo complexes will not have the space to receive the cargo.”

CSF/ICDs are short-staffed

Across all the CFSs and ICDs in the country, only pharmaceutical and perishable cargo is being handled. Although the central government has rolled out circulars stating that the CHAs are part of essential services, the local administration is not permitting the staff to reach the ports/airports/CFSs/ICDs to carry out the clearance.

Present Customs Clearance scenario

Very few customs officials are reporting for duty, and only the containers with factory stuffing permission or those containing emergency items are allowed to be cleared. All the other boxes are being held in abeyance. In the words of RS Subramanian, the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DHL Express, “Customs is always short staffed. Now the officials have given a notification of working for 12 hours (even though the finance minister has announced they will be working 24×7).”

Trucking

Lack of drivers and the ongoing police intervention in the movement of trucks are becoming a major supply chain concern. Most of the drivers are abstaining from work because of the strict measures imposed due to lockdown.

On the brighter side, all supply chain operations are being reviewed regularly and trade bodies are making repeated representations to the government on instructing the law enforcement agencies to permit workers in the supply chain sector to carry on with their jobs.

E2E Supply Chain Management is expanding its workforce to cope with their rising work volume

Posted on 27 March, 2020 | by admin

They are also planning to relocate to a new office space in 2020

E2E Supply Chain Management PTE LTD, a Coop member in Singapore, is welcoming two new members to their airfreight and local distribution team. In the words of Alan Lim, the CEO of E2E Supply Chain Management, “We have recently been appointed for 3 years to handle the airfreight exports and local distribution for a large MNC. This has prompted us to expand our airfreight and local distribution teams by 2 new members and 2 new vehicles.”

They are also in the process of recruiting new members to their sea freight team. Furthermore, the increase in the number of staff members has necessitated the relocation to a larger office space. “We are very enthusiastic about the number of projects coming our way and I am really pleased to announce that we are planning to move to a brand new office probably sometime in 2020.” adds Mr. Lim.

Congratulations to E2E Supply Chain Management and wishing them the best for their future endeavours!

Warelog Gestao de Servicos Logisticos turns 15!

Posted on 20 March, 2020 | by admin

The Warelog team will celebrate their anniversary by organizing an adventure weekend for all the members

Warelog Gestao de Servicos Logisticos, a Coop member in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal, has recently turned 15 years old. On this occasion, they have arranged for an adventure weekend getaway in which their entire team will participate. According to Mr. Luis Pinto, the General Manager of Warelog, “We came from zero to being the bonded warehouse of reference in our territory and we have developed a broad services portfolio capable of handling all sorts of business with very high standard. Also, we managed to build a team of people committed to the company and, most importantly, to one another. We are always focused on our objective and have an excellent market reputation in our area of operation.”

Warelog is currently involved in an ongoing project to expand its São João da Madeira platform in Porto by 2021 and they are also about to start a road freight trade lane connecting their country with Poland and Italy. “Our main project for this year is to obtain a growth of almost 20% on the overseas and European road freight department. We have reinforced our sales team late last year and we hope to achieve our goal in the near future.” adds Mr. Pinto.

Congratulations to Warelog and wishing them all the best for the future!

Interken Freighters celebrates its 35th anniversary

Posted on 13 March, 2020 | by admin

In the last 5 years, Interken has achieved 35% growth, benefited from a growing team and acquired a new facility close to Heathrow Airport

Interken Freighters, a Coop member in London, UK, has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. Interken Freighters has been providing comprehensive air, road and ocean freight services to their clients in the UK and beyond since 1985 and has continued to prosper in recent turbulent times.

Varun Ghai, Director at Interken, commented “We are very proud of reaching this significant milestone. Our success over these 35 years is largely thanks to the commitment to core values of total customer satisfaction and forging long-standing relationships. I would like to thank our employees, customers, & worldwide partners for your continued support through the years”.

Congratulations to Interken and wishing them the very best for their future endeavours!

An updated version of the Incoterms 2020 brochure is now available for viewing and downloading on the Coop website

Posted on 6 March, 2020 | by admin

The Incoterms 2020 rules which have been launched by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have come into effect since 1st January 2020

The Coop has updated and uploaded a brochure of Incoterms 2020 containing the most recent version of the Incoterms rules launched by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The Coop’s brochure for Incoterms 2020 presents a chart explaining the responsibilities of exporters and importers in international trade. The Coop Incoterms brochure has been modernised and the fresh and simplified chart will allow members to easily share it with their clients and partners.

The Incoterms rules were first laid down back in 1936 by ICC to create a set of internationally accepted rules and definitions with regards to the delivery of goods among trading partners all over the world. Since then these rules have been periodically amended and the Incoterms 2020 comes with detailed notes and graphs for illustrating the liabilities of exporters and importers for each of the Incoterms rule.

As explained by Mr. John WH Denton AO, the Secretary General of Incoterms, “Incoterms 2020 rules make business work for everyone by facilitating trillions of dollars in global trade annually. Because they help importers and exporters around the world to understand their responsibilities and avoid costly misunderstandings, the rules form the language of international sales transactions, and help build confidence in our valuable global trading system.”

The Coop Incoterms brochure can be downloaded by clicking here.

Solmaz welcomes aboard a new Freight Operations Director

Posted on 28 February, 2020 | by admin

Solmaz, a Coop member in Istanbul, Turkey, has been joined by Mr. Bugra Saracoglu in the position of Freight Operations Director

international logistics service provider

In his own words, “My main role at Solmaz will be to enlarge our existing network and build an efficient and sustainable infrastructure for all modes of transport. I am very glad to be a member of the Solmaz family. Really looking forward to working with my kind and experienced colleagues.”

Mr. Saracoglu, having 22 years of experience in the related field, worked with so many renowned freight companies and at the same time as a freelance consultant , giving consultancy to many companies in the sector.

Solmaz team would like to warmly welcome Mr. Saracoglu to their family. They are absolutely certain that his long experience and efforts will help the team grow and stay ahead of the competition!

The Coop wishes Solmaz the very best for all their future projects!