AMENDED ON: 28 December 2020
In an effort to ensure you’re aware of any service disruptions that may impact your business, we’ve compiled a list of resources and links to postal and carrier alerts and updates around the globe.
We will update this post regularly with continuing news and information as we strive to keep your operations informed and your communications flowing.
Go to: United States / Canada / France / Belgium / Netherlands / UK / Ireland / Germany / Switzerland / Italy
UNITED STATES
USPS / Service Alerts / Business Mailers Alerts / Domestic Service Alerts / International Service Alerts
U.S. Postal Service Statement on the Coronavirus
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)The United States Postal Service is closely monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and continues to follow strategies and measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health departments. The CDC has information available on its website at https://www.coronavirus.gov that provides the latest information about COVID-19. We are sharing the CDC’s guidance to our employees via stand-up talks, employee news articles, messages on bulletin boards, videos and an intranet site directly to employees and within USPS workplaces.
The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov), the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses), and the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.
The Postal Service has so far experienced only minor operational impacts in the United States as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We do continue to have a temporary suspension of the guarantee on Priority Mail Express International destined for China and Hong Kong, which has been effective since Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, due to widespread airline cancellations and restrictions into this area. In addition, customers may see delays in mail and packages destined to China as well as from China, as well as to and from European countries subject to restricted passenger airline travel. The Postal Service is undertaking all reasonable measures to minimize the impact to our customers.
In addition, the Postal Service is an essential service for purposes of its compliance with state or municipality shelter-in-place orders or other social distancing restrictions. The Postal Service delivers medications, social security checks, and is the leading delivery service for on-line purchases. The statute that created the Postal Service begins with the following sentence. “The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by an Act of Congress, and supported by the people.” 39 U.S.C. §101(a). For more information, see the USPS Coronavirus Statement.
UPS / Domestic and International Alerts / How UPS is responding to the Coronavirus / Impact of the Coronavirus on our Service Guarantee
- As of 28 December 2020: Severe weather impacting service in Wyoming
- In regards to Coronavirus: UPS operations will continue, with daily collections and deliveries except when constrained by government restrictions.
Major mail and parcel service disruptions:
- The UPS Service Guarantee (also referred to as UPS Money Back Guarantee) is suspended for all shipments from any origin to any destination. Commit times for some services have also changed. Review: Impact of the Coronavirus on our Service Guarantee
- Commitment times for UPS Next Day Air Saver® and UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.® services scheduled for delivery on or after 30 March 2020 will be extended to end-of-day until further notice.
FedEx / Service Alerts / How FedEx is responding to the Coronavirus / Temporary Surcharge / Service Updates
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As of 23 December 2020: Service Impact of COVID-19
Record high volumes of e-commerce orders, COVID 19 closures and weather events may cause delivery delays. Before finalizing your shipment, please confirm that your recipient can receive your package and see our latest service alert updates.
The money-back guarantee is currently suspended. See the Service Guide for more information.
SEE COVID-RELATED SERVICE IMPACT INFORMATION
COVID-RELATED UPDATES FOR FEDEX LOGISTICS AIR/OCEAN CARGO-
Current situations affecting shipments: Heavy package volume: The COVID-19 pandemic has created record-breaking shipment volumes. As more people shop online to avoid crowds in stores, those numbers have grown even more. This has created shipping volumes that are taxing logistics networks nationwide, which may cause delays.
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COVID-19 business closures: The pandemic continues to cause businesses around the country to close. If you need to send a shipment to an area that’s experiencing closures, contact your recipient before you ship to ensure they’re open and able to receive your package.
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Weather and other service disruptions: Seasonal weather events and other disruptions may occur and cause delays for inbound and outbound shipments. Our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our team members and providing the best service to our customers.
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- Covid-19: Our first priority has always been the health and safety of our team members, customers, and communities. So we’re taking every step to protect you and our team members while continuing to deliver the best service and experience. And we’re more committed than ever to making sure that you get the items you need when you need them, whether they’re for your health, home, or business.
- Stay connected with service delays and disruptions
When the unexpected happens, communication is key. Uncontrollable events like weather or natural disasters can disrupt transportation flow—and your supply chain. When that happens, FedEx remains focused on supporting our customers and communities with services and information when you need it most. Thanks to our transportation and logistics network, we’re ready to assist with crucial humanitarian efforts as we keep commerce, healthcare, and other industries moving around the world. Keep up with the latest Service Alerts on this page, or sign up for alerts on service delays and disruptions to stay a step ahead.- Residential deliveries: Stay in control over your deliveries. Sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager to receive notifications on when to expect your deliveries, tell your FedEx driver where to leave packages at your home, and even redirect them to another address.
- Convenience, Security and Delivery Control: Sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager and receive delivery alerts, request to redirect to a FedEx location, vacation holds and more.
- Regulatory Alerts and Updates: FedEx issues a regulatory alert when a new regulatory agency or legal requirement is established that may impact international shipping, or when an existing one changes. A regulatory update can be issued to communicate any of the following: A previously published regulatory alert is still in effect. Deadlines have been extended.
DHL / Service Alerts / Emergency Situation Surcharge
- As of 27 November 2020
"Connecting People, Improving Lives" is Deutsche Post DHL Group's mission and guides always our effort to become exemplary corporate citizens.
In this critical global health crisis, our Logistics services and our worldwide network play a critical role, also in saving lives – whether it is by sending emergency medical equipment and supplies to healthcare workers; delivering necessity goods to private customers; or by finding solutions for companies to continue their operations.
Against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 outbreak, Deutsche Post DHL Group business operations are being continuously adapted to mitigate potential impacts. As a globally operating company, epidemic and pandemic risk scenarios are an integral part of the Group's continuous risk planning. The Group follows a holistic management process that enables our business units to ensure the best possible operations for our customers even in an emergency.
The safety of our employees and customers is paramount. In order to closely monitor and manage the Coronavirus outbreak, a Deutsche Post DHL Group Coronavirus task force has been established, led by the Group’s CEO. The Group’s task force also coordinates with international organizations (such as the WHO, CDC, ECDC and Robert Koch Institute) and provides the necessary information to all employees and relevant operations.
CANADA
Canada Post / COVID-19 latest updates / Canada Updates / International Updates
- As of 14 December 2020
Canada Post adjusts holiday parcel shipping deadlines in response to unprecedented demand
As Canada Post responds to the full impact of the changes Canadians are making in response to safety and travel restrictions, we are working hard to safely deliver the pre-Christmas surge.
FedEx / Service Alerts / FAQs
Delivering service and support—today and always
Our fleet is still in the air, our trucks remain on the road, and the strength of our delivery network is available to keep your business moving across Canada and around the globe.
Major mail and parcel service disruptions:
- Temporary surcharge on all FedEx Express international parcel and freight shipments. Review: Rate Changes Overview
- Signature Required Suspension: A physical signature is not required for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments except when an adult signature is required. Review: Delivery Signature Options
- Money-Back Guarantee Suspension: Suspended for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services, effective immediately until further notice. Review: Policy
FRANCE
The French government has published a guide of best practices to ensure safe home delivery of parcels during COVID-19. Review: Guide of Best Practices
La Poste / Service Alerts
- As of 30 March 2020: Service times are adjusted to 3 days a week, and rotating shift arrangements have been put in place. The postman will carry out rounds on a less regular basis than normal. Detailed information is provided in their online Q&A.
Relais Colis / FAQs / Coronavirus Information / Service Alerts
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As of 23 November 2020
Following the new government measures applicable from 2 November 2020, here are the impacts on your packages on our various activities.As a preamble, we reaffirm that the safety of all remains our priority: all deliveries are made without contact, scrupulously respecting government instructions, rules of distancing and barrier measures, with in particular the wearing of a compulsory mask, at the times by customers, relays and deliverers.
We are happy to be able to maintain all of our delivery activities in Relays, and at Home, even on a reduced scope: our active fleet today amounts to 3,500 relays.
We wish you to go through this difficult period as positively and serenely as possible. Rest assured that from our side, we are working hard to ensure the best possible continuity and quality of service despite these new constraints.
Major mail and parcel service disruptions:
- The Relay delivery activity was completely stopped from 18 March to 18 April 2020. All packages in progress were returned to retailers or shippers for C2C. The activity has been reinitiated since 20 April 2020 on a perimeter reduced to a few hundred relays in certain areas and certain customers, according to a secure contactless protocol. The identity card remains a compulsory document. You are also advised to bring your own pen.
- Returns and parcel deposits are not yet authorized.
- We are gradually increasing the number of active relays, with a more substantial recovery from 11 May 2020. Review: Update of Active Relays
Mondial Relay / FAQs
Point Relais® delivery service , suspended on 17 March, has resumed gradually since 4 May and our deliveries to Points Relais® from 11 May 2020. This week of June 15 more than 8,000 Relais Points® are available again, which represents the vast majority of our network. Others will open in the following days and weeks. Many of you are entrusting us with your packages again. During this recovery period, delivery times can be a little longer than usual, thank you for your trust and understanding.
FedEx TNT / Service Alerts / Temporary Surcharge / Temporary service suspensions globally
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As of 3 December
Following the latest government decisions, businesses are now open to a very large majority. Consequently :-
We deliver to all of our customers again, with a few exceptions. However, we thank you in advance for continuing to ensure that your recipients are able to receive your packages.
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Almost the entire network of our Mondial Relay partner merchants is operational, for deposits and deliveries.
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The other measures detailed in the message below remain in effect.
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DHL / Emergency Situation Surcharge / Service Alerts
Since the onset of this global pandemic, DHL teams have been working around the clock, continually adapting and adjusting the operations of our global network to align with new developments, regulatory requirements and constant changes in capacity and demand. That includes further significant reductions in – or the complete cancelation of – commercial flights in most countries, which has a dramatic impact on air uplift capacity.
As we work to serve the urgent needs of our customers, these factors, among others, have increased our costs beyond sustainable levels, which necessitated an adjustment to the surcharge.
BELGIUM
B Post / Service Alerts
- As of 19 March 2020: b post is temporarily suspending of letters and parcels outside of Europe due to the mass cancellation of flights.
FedEx / Service Alerts / Temporary Surcharge
Please be aware that due to the current situation related to COVID-19, we are experiencing increased call volumes. Please use our online tools to check the status of your shipment, obtain a quote or process new bookings. Alternatively you can also email us and we will follow up as soon as possible.
Major mail and parcel service disruptions:
- Implemented a temporary surcharge on all FedEx Express international parcel and freight shipments.
- Suspended the money-back guarantee for all FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight and FedEx Office services effective immediately until further notice.
- China – Europe Volume Surge: We are currently experiencing a surge in demand on the China-Europe lane. With our fleet of over 670 planes, we are well positioned to support changes in the global supply chain. We are putting extra planes in place on this route to accommodate the demand, but delays might still occur. Our clearance teams are also processing significant extra volumes, which may cause further delays for new goods arriving in Europe.
DHL / Service Alerts / Emergency Situation Surcharge
- As of 27 November 2020
"Connecting People, Improving Lives" is Deutsche Post DHL Group's mission and guides always our effort to become exemplary corporate citizens.
In this critical global health crisis, our Logistics services and our worldwide network play a critical role, also in saving lives – whether it is by sending emergency medical equipment and supplies to healthcare workers; delivering necessity goods to private customers; or by finding solutions for companies to continue their operations.
Against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 outbreak, Deutsche Post DHL Group business operations are being continuously adapted to mitigate potential impacts. As a globally operating company, epidemic and pandemic risk scenarios are an integral part of the Group's continuous risk planning. The Group follows a holistic management process that enables our business units to ensure the best possible operations for our customers even in an emergency.
The safety of our employees and customers is paramount. In order to closely monitor and manage the Coronavirus outbreak, a Deutsche Post DHL Group Coronavirus task force has been established, led by the Group’s CEO. The Group’s task force also coordinates with international organizations (such as the WHO, CDC, ECDC and Robert Koch Institute) and provides the necessary information to all employees and relevant operations.
NETHERLANDS
Post NL / International Service Alerts / Coronavirus Information / Current Information by Destination
In the Netherlands, the coronavirus is now more or less under control. However, many other countries are still facing severe challenges. As a result, strict corona measures remain in place. In many countries, steps have been taken to minimise physical contact when delivering mail and parcels. Recipients in these countries may no longer be required to sign for delivery, for instance. In addition, many countries around the world are taking measures that may affect the processing and delivery of mail and parcels.
FedEx / Service Alerts / Temporary Surcharge / Alerts
Please be aware that due to the current situation related to COVID-19, we are experiencing increased call volumes. Please use our online tools to check the status of your shipment, obtain a quote or process new bookings. Alternatively you can also email us and we will follow up as soon as possible.
Major mail and parcel service disruptions:
- Temporary Surcharge: To continue providing our customers with the best possible service during this time, we are implementing a temporary surcharge on all FedEx Express and TNT international parcel and freight shipments, from April 6th until further notice. The surcharge does not apply to domestic intra-country shipments.
- Money Back Guarantee: The impact of COVID-19 is causing local, state, and national governments in Europe and around the world to issue work and travel restrictions on a daily basis, which are impacting our ability to meet our high standards of service. As a result, we have made the decision to suspend our money-back guarantee for all FedEx Express services, effective immediately until further notice. FedEx Express is playing a crucial role in the global supply chain and connecting the world during this critical time, and we will continue operating as government restrictions and regulations allow. We also remain focused on serving our customers and providing relief supplies to areas that need it most.
- Intra-Europe Express Next Day: Our intra-Europe Express next day shipping services are returning back to normal transit times for the majority of markets. Some quoted transit times may still be impacted and subject to delay. For more detailed information on service impact, please click here.
DHL / Service Alerts / Emergency Situation Surcharge
UK
Royal Mail / Coronavirus Updates / Service Changes / International Service Alerts
We’re keeping the UK connected. We are open for business. Despite best efforts some services may be disrupted.
As a key part of UK’s infrastructure, Royal Mail remains open for business. The delivery of parcels and letters is a way of keeping the country together, businesses operating, and helping many people who may not have the option to leave their homes.
Here you'll find all the relevant details about our service. We’ve also added useful links to tools that may help you stay connected while you’re at home, and different ways in which you can stay up to date with Royal Mail, like our service updates page.
IRELAND
An Post / Service Alerts
We are experiencing a high volume of calls and webforms to our call centre. Due to Covid 19 and measures we have taken on social distancing, it has impacted our response times. As we are trying to assist customers with the most urgent enquiries, we ask that you only contact us by phone or webform if you cannot find an answer on our website.
We’ll be delivering millions of parcels this week, more than ever before. We have the biggest delivery team in Ireland and they are working extremely hard to get your parcels to you But don’t worry, we will deliver your item as quickly as we can.
GERMANY
Deutsche Post / Service Alerts / International Service Alerts / FAQs
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As of 28 December 2020
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we would like to update you potential impacts of the virus on Deutsche Post DHL dispatch and delivery services.
Due to the current rise in parcel volumes and more stringent COVID safety measures, the delivery of shipments may be subject to delays in certain cases. We ask for your understanding in such instances.
Currently there are no restrictions to our mail service within Germany, and no restrictions to services provided at our retail outlets and DHL Paketshops.
We generally recommend contactless delivery options whenever possible; this means specifying a Preferred location where our deliverers can drop-off your parcels, or addressing parcels directly to a Packstation.
Order and send your Christmas gifts in good time and make sur
