How Covid-19 Affects Freight Shipping

COVID-19 Logistics Update: How Covid-19 Affects Freight Shipping

The worldwide pandemic has affected all business spheres. The supply chain industry isn’t an exception. GoShip gathered the essential Covid-19 logistics updates to answer the most common shippers’ questions and help them face Covid-19 shipping challenges.

How is GoShip helping businesses?

GoShip is donating 100% of its profits from April and May to help the response to COVID-19. GoShip will present the earnings to the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, which supports rapidly emerging response needs related to COVID-19. Learn more about the CDC Foundation.

With the rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide, state governments are issuing orders suggesting closures of non-essential businesses. This order mainly applies to small companies, which produce almost half of the U.S. gross domestic product.

GoShip wants to provide its customers with COVID-19 logistics updates and how it affects our shippers and carriers.

Geographical updates

In August, most businesses have already reopened. However, many started to close again due to the spikes in coronavirus cases across several states.

States that have paused reopening:

  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut
  • New Jersey
  • Delaware
  • North Carolina
  • Maryland
  • Alabama
  • Missouri
  • Arkansas

States that are reversing to a stricter quarantine:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Nevada
  • Colorado
  • New Mexico
  • Texas
  • Los Angeles
  • Florida
  • Michigan
  • Puerto Rico

Read the New York Times article for more information about which businesses are open and closed in each state.

Which states are being the worth hit right now?

As of June 26th, several southern states have demonstrated a spike in disease cases. Texas, Florida, and Arizona are the worst-hit states, with thousands of new topics being detected daily. Texas Governor has ordered closing the bars, stopping water activities, and returning restaurants to 50% capacity. Florida Governor had also halted the reopening, stating that Florida will remain in the current phase with some businesses being closed or limited.

As of the end of May, most US states have reopened. All states started to lift restriction measures, allowing people to return to offices, restaurants, churches, etc. Check the state-by-state reopening status.

How does COVID-19 affect freight shipping?

According to a recent National Small Business Association survey, most small business owners see uncertain economic challenges in demand as a primary challenge. So far, there has been a wave of state “stay-at-home orders” regarding public gatherings and the closing of non-essential businesses.

What measures is the government taking?

The Trump Administration previously issued a $7 billion disaster loan for small businesses with less than 4% interest. Congress, in turn, is considering greatly expanding it to as much as $300 billion. In addition to governmental loans, state officials also take the initiative and offer various aid packages. If your business faces challenges, consider looking at the terms and conditions and applying for a loan.

What are Covid-19 logistics restrictions currently in place?

As of May, many travel restrictions have been lifted, and some remain in place. The U.S. has partially closed borders with Mexico and Canada for non-essential travel. This order does not affect freight shipping, commercial transportation, and trade. Also, the 30-day travel ban, which went into effect on March 13, does not apply to freight shipping.

The government has issued a Domestic Travel Advisory, which suggests recommended restrictions on internal travel for specific states.

Should I expect shipment delays?

Due to facility shutdowns and the spread of COVID-19, some companies can take longer to deliver shipments. On behalf of freight carriers, there shouldn’t be any significant changes. Still, it’s better to contact your carrier and discuss the plan to escape shipping delays.

What happens if I ship to a non-essential business in the affected states?

If you are preparing to ship goods, contact your carrier first to receive accurate information on the restrictions in the particular state. However, there are two outcomes if anything changes while the shipment is already in transit. Once the carrier receives your load and realizes the effects on the receiver’s business, the shipment will return to the origin or stay in the nearest warehouse.

If the customer was open during the pick-up and closed now, do they still get their delivery?

We recommend contacting the shipper/carrier/consignee directly for more information. If the customer is closed, the shipment will travel to the origin or a nearby warehouse. If this happened to you while shipping with GoShip, please contact us.

Is it possible to get infected after touching a package?

The virus is transmitted through air droplets, which sometimes land on surfaces and items. Although it is possible to get the virus from a surface of an object, it is unlikely. The virus survives on surfaces for several hours to a day. So, it is not dangerous for freight shipments, as long as you comply with the WHO recommendations.

How and when are businesses going to reopen?

On April 16, President Trump announced the plan for country reopening, giving state governments the freedom of choice, telling them they can gradually reopen businesses by May 1 or earlier. The White House released a set of measures that envision the country’s slow return to everyday life. It includes the reopening of restaurants, schools, businesses, etc. The reopening will occur on a patchwork basis, meaning each state will define its timeline and pace.

How to stay safe in terms of Covid-19 logistics?

  • Arrange work-from-home for everyone possible in your company.
  • Cancel and prohibit all travel for employees. Also, implement self-isolation for those returning from trips.
  • Increase cleaning and disinfecting measures in your offices, facilities, and warehouses.
  • Provide your employees on duty with required protective supplies: sanitizers, masks, gloves, disinfecting wipes, etc.
  • Implement a strict health and safety policy within your company.

GoShip can help you organize successful transportation in Covid-19 shipping conditions. We’ll provide you access to many professional carriers which will deliver your items following the rules of Covid-19 shipping. On our digital platform, you can compare shipping prices and book an affordable shipment in a few clicks.