*Update 05.11.2020*
USA – The ORD Terminal of Chicago is currently facing operational issues and is highly understaffed. Please be informed that shipments to this destination may be subject to delays.
*Update 30.10.2020*
FRANCE - please be informed that on the official website of the French Government the list of open and closed activities has been published. You can visit the website at this link: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/confinement . We suggest you to always verify that the consignee of your shipments is operational and available to receive them, otherwise extra costs might generate due to unsuccessful deliveries, double deliveries or unexpected storage needs.
*Update 29.10.2020*
FRANCE - Starting at 00:00 of October 30, 2020 through December 1st, 2020 French Government will impose a lockdown that will impact on commercial activities selling "non-essential" goods. Therefore, although no limitation will impact transport service for goods, some consignee might not be operational or available to receive your shipments. D.B. Group road service will remain active and the departure schedule unvaried.
For this reason, we highly recommend you verify that the consignees are operational and available to receive the shipments. Otherwise, there might be extra costs due to inconveniences as unsuccessful deliveries, double deliveries or storage costs.
*Update 14.05.2020*
POLAND - the Government has extended controls at the border until June 12.
SPAIN - effective May 15 until the end of the emergency status, all people returning to the country from abroad will be subject to respect a quarantine of 14 days. These people are not allowed to live home except for limited and valid reasons. Truck drivers and the respective crews are not subject to this measure.
*Update 06.05.2020*
FRANCIA – the French Government has canceled some restrictions for commercial vehicles with a weight higher than 7.5 tons during some specific days.
NORWAY – border check measures have been extended for 90 days after May 15. Drivers must travel with a passport and driving license.
MONGOLIA – the state of emergency has been extended until May 31. Freight forwarding of goods is allowed and not subject to restrictions, however, all drivers will undergo health checks at the border. Previously defined measures for goods transport are still in place.
UZBEKISTAN – a new temporary procedure applies to international freight forwarding. Vehicles can transit only through some specific border checkpoints.
INDIA – The government has extended the lockdown until May 17. Air Freight - services are operational but no regular fights. Sea Freight - operational. Road Freight -not fully restored. Customs Brokers - staff not fully operational.
*Update 27.04.2020*
ITALY - On April 26, 2020, the Italian Government has issued a new Decree which gradually loosens the national confinement measures, introducing the Country to the so-called Phase-2 of the COVID-19 emergency, which will be valid from May 4 to May 17. For more detialed information read the specific news here.
DUBAI - the Government has decided to open all activities allowing the 30% of employees to the workplace. Our local branch office is open too.
*Update 16.04.2020*
INDIA - the Governemnt has decided to extend the lockdown until May 3 and the 24 hours curfew is confirmed until April 20.
*Update 14.04.2020*
MALAYSIA
On 10th April, Malaysia extends Lock-up by another two weeks to April 28.
Food and medical supply, logistics and transport services are guarantee, therefore all airport and seaport operations remain active.
*Update 10.04.2020*
Here below follows a list of the decisions undertaken by some EU countries about the suspension of circulation restrictions for the next holiday period:
- Austria: suspended valid until April 19 (circulation restrictions are effective only in Tyrol);
- France: suspended until April 20;
- Germany – decisions valid in each Federal State are available here.
- Greece – circulation restrictions are suspended from April 16 to 21 (Orthodox Easter) and from April 30 to May 3 (Labor day celebrations).
- Portugal – During the Easter period, drivers must carry a declaration signed by the employer stating that the driver is performing a freight operation. This is due until April 13.
- Czech Republic – restrictions have been suspended;
- Romania – Restrictions have been suspended until April 16 for drivers of vehicles with a weight higher than 7.5 tons on the Ploiesti-Brasov route (E60).
- Spain – the following restrictions have been suspended during the whole state of emergency: weekly circulation restrictions for vehicles with a weight higher than 7.5 tons; restrictions during weekends and non-working days for ADR vehicles; weekly, non-working days and weekend operations for unusual transports; circulation restrictions for all freight vehicles in Catalonia and Basque Region.
- Slovakia - Slovakian police has canceled circulation restrictions for commercial vehicles with a weight higher than 3.5 tons from April 10 to 13.
Here follows the general logistic update:
EUROPE
- Belgium: temporary relaxation of rules about driving and rest times for international freight drivers has been extended to April 26.
- Bulgaria: drivers working for good freight can cross the border posts as well as flight crews committed to commercial flights and other freight personnel.
- Greece: the Greek Government has issued a decree valid through April 20 concerning people entering the country borders, with a disposition of self-isolation for a period of 14 or 7 at the end of the delivery for drivers of good freight vehicles.
- Denmark: restrictions imposed on Danish borders will be extended until May 10; the period can be further expanded based on the circumstances. Goods freight remains exempt.
- Finland: the Finnish Government has decided to prolong the validity of temporary reintroduction of border checks and traffic restrictions; border checks will be done until May 13.
- Lithuania: the number of accessible border crossing points to enter Lithuania has been reduced. Foreign carriers with vehicles transiting through Lithuania are allowed.
- Malta: by now, no restrictions apply to air freight and sea freight between Malta and the European Continent. Furthermore, Malta has approved a relaxation of driving and rest times until April 16.
- Portugal: only the main border crossing points with Spain will stay open. International transport of goods is allowed and is not dependent on the type of service and articles. However, drivers must respect health and safety requirements to prevent the virus from spreading.
- Slovakia: Slovakian Government has decided to temporarily reset controls at the borders starting April 8 until April 17. Procedures at border crossing points remain unvaried.
- SWITZERLAND: border checks have been extended as follows
- all air borders except air borders with Lichtenstein until April 24;
- air borders with Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria until April 17;
- the land border with Italy until April 12.
- BELARUS: drivers of vehicles transiting through the country must follow specific routes and stop in dedicated rest areas.
- GEORGIA: commercial vehicles registered in a foreign country must circulate through Georgian territory moving to the final destination without any stop, allowed only in specific areas.
- SERBIA: since April 2, police escort for vehicles transiting through the country is no more required. This will allow faster freights to final consumers. In-transit vehicles can stop and refuel only id specific areas. 45 border crossing points are temporarily closed.
- TAJIKISTAN: a new regulation has been issued for international freight forwarding.
- ARMENIA: Armenia has set no restrictions on transports coming from other countries except for goods coming from Iran, for which specific procedures are considered.
- SAUDI ARABIA: The transit of essential goods (food, medical and military supply) is allowed. Strong containment measures are in place with a curfew from 3 PM to 6 AM, not applying to drivers.
- EGYPT: no restrictions on the type of goods for import and transit. The only limitation is concerning the export of medical supplies necessary to treat the virus, like masks and oxygen machines.
- IRAN: the transport of goods is not included in the circulation restrictions applied to people.
- TUNISIA: no restrictions on goods circulation in the country; borders with Algeria and Libia are closed.
- AZERBAIJAN: foreign drivers of vehicles carrying goods can enter the country and transit with no restrictions. Concerning sea freight, some limitations are in place with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. All border posts (with Iran, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey) are open to road freight of goods.
*Update 06.04.2020*
EUROPE
Romania - Customs and seafright are working under nomal circumstances. Concerning airfreight, we inform you that many flights have been canceled and the provision has been confirmed until April 20. With reference to road freiht, we expect delays due to the increased safety measures.
*Update 03.04.2020*
EUROPE
- Bulgaria: since March 30, the border with Greece "Zlatograd-Thermes" is closed. Delays are expected.
- Croatia: thanks to the communication of the European Commission, now Croatia is allowing transit at the borders and unloading of the goods in national territory when using the green lanes. A temporary relaxation of driving and resting rules valid until April 16 has been applied to drivers of national and international freight of essential goods, in particular: food, pet food, fuel, raw materials, medicines, medical equipment, distribution of equipment to hospitals and public authorities.
- Slovenia: by now borders with Austria, Croatia and Italy are open only at some crossing points. The entry to Hungary is allowed only through 3 border posts; among those, Pince R1/232 is only open to Slovenia and Hungary citizens. All vehicles entering Hungary are subject to checks and even though controls are not in place for vehicles entering Slovenia, all drivers should avoid contact with others and be equipped with protective devices.
- Spain: due to uncertainty about the procedures and controls carried out on freoght operations, and until there will be explanations, the Spanish freighters associations recommend drivers to keep a certificate of “essential goods transport” issued and signed by the sender or the recipient. Furthermore, they should have a declaration of responsibilty signed by the society (link)
- MONGOLIA: Since March 30, foreign vehicles can enter Mongolia only through some border posts and they will be escorted to the destination point and and back to the border.
*Update 31.03.2020*
EUROPE
Here follows a first map of the green lanes required by the European Commission in the guidelines for Road Freight issued on March 24. The implementation of green lanes is a mutual commitment of all Member States. In its communication, the EU has reiterated the principle of free circulation of employees of the freight sector, and all Member States have been asked to not submit drivers to quarantine measures if they do not present COVID-19 symptoms and to not require them a health certificate or their doctor’s statement.
Finland: on March 28, the Finnish government has established an internal boundary to divide Uusimaa (Helsinki Region) and the rest of the country. Road freight should not suffer changes, even though some delays are expected.
Romania: Starting on March 31, new measures for Romanian truck drivers have been imposed:
1. When entering the country, drivers of goods vehicles ( 2.4 tons or more) can choose among the following quarantine/isolation options, to be respected for 14 days among travels:
a) quarantine in spaces provided by the employer
b) isolation at home
c) request of quarantine in spaces provided by public administration authorities
2. Drivers must fill in a declaration of their responsibility stating the chosen option.
Slovenia: a relaxation of limits on time of drive and rest for drivers of vehicles carrying essential goods is valid until April 16. This will apply to both national and international transport.
Slovakia: The situation is going back to normal and all borders are open.
Spain: a Decree is in place that suspends all the non-essential activities, for this reason, we recommend to verify with your reference person the actual availability of receiving the goods.
Hungary: starting on March 28, for all Hungarian drivers quarantine is not mandatory.
Czech Republic: Until May 19, vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons will not be allowed to overtake other cars in some points of the national road network, to reduce ques at the border and favour essential road freight.
Exceptions include:
1) Perishable goods
2) Live animals
3) Fuel for service stations
4) Postal goods
5) Medical and biological material, medicines and material for their making.
- SWITZERLAND: no limitation is imposed on international road freight; some green lines have been set up at borders for import and export operations and the transit of medical products, food, fuel supply and post.
- KAZAKHSTAN: The ministry of Industry and infrastructural development has issued a notice to drivers, carriers and international freight forwarders to help them comply with the requirements currently running in Kazakhstan to reduce the spreading of COVID-19.
- MOLDOVA: on March 29, the borders with Romania and Ukraine have been temporarily closed.
- NEPAL: The Government of Nepal has decided to limit the traffic of goods and people until April 7. All boarders will remain closed and restrictions of people and goods circulation inside the country will remain valid. The only reason admitted will be for an emergency.
- VIETNAM: a complete lockdown has been imposed starting from April 1.
*Update 23.03.2020*
EUROPE
Spain – The government granted the relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers until April 11.
Austria – Circulation restrictions during the weekend have been suspended until April 3. Also driving bans for vehicles with a weight of over 7,5t have been suspended in Klingenbach and Deutschkreutz (Burgenland) borders, to support Nickelsdorf border. The government granted the relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers.
Denmark – Only for national transports, the government extended the relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers until April 11.
France – Circulation restrictions for heavy vehicles during the weekend have been suspended until April 20. On Friday, March 20 a new protocol for the logistics and freight forwarding sectors have been published, aiming to reduce the Covid-19 outbreak.
Latvia – restrictions imposed on people still do not apply on road freight forwarding. However, drivers entering Latvia must fill in specific forms available in English, Russian and Latvian.
Czech Republic – we register traffic slowdown to the border with Slovakia.
UK – a temporary relaxation of rules about driving and resting times has been established for England, Wales and Scotland valid through April 21.
SERBIA – all vehicles entering the Serbian territory and coming from or traveling through Italy, Canton Ticino and Romania will be escorted by police from the border crossing point to the frontier post of exit.
TURKEY – the list of countries of origin of drivers who must stay in quarantine has been increased.
INDIA - effective today, the Government has announced a lockdown until March 31st.
AUSTRALIA - From the 25th March there will be no passenger airline flights to Italy until the end of April or further notice. Only freighter airline flights are available from Melbourne and Sydney.
*Update 20.03.2020*
USA –Bayport & Barbour’s Cut Terminal will re-open for gate operations starting from Friday, March 20.
The following ports and terminals will be closing in the listed days:
Miami Operating terminal: Monday March 23 and Tuesday March 24
Seattle SSA Terminals - Terminal 18: Friday March 20
Long Beach - TTI: Friday March 20, 1st shift
APMT- Los Angeles: Tuesday March 24 and Thursday March 26.
EUROPE
Belgium – Freight forwarding will not be subject to restrictions. The relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for drivers carrying food, medicines and primary goods has been extended o March 31.
Bulgaria – Non-Bulgarian drivers are allowed to load and unload goods but must leave the Bulgarian territory within 24 hours. The government granted the relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers.
Estonia – Road transports will not be subject to restrictions imposed on people, but safety measures have been increased at the borders together with the check of travel documents.
France – Freight forwarding and logistics have been identified as essential by the government, which will prepare additional measures to grant access to drivers and operators.
Ireland - Freight forwarding will not be subject to restrictions imposed on people. Relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers until April 16.
Lithuania – Limited number of borders opened, with possible slowdowns.
Holland – No restrictions at the moment.
Poland – Drivers entering the country must fulfill dedicated forms, available in English, Russian and Ukrainian.Health check at the borders, with longer waiting times. Relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers until April 16.
Romania – Drivers of commercial vehicles weighing more than 3,5t, must wear protection means such as sanitizers, disposable gloves, and masks, and fulfill all the documents demonstrating their route. Longer waiting times at the borders. Relaxation of the rules concerning driving and rest times for all drivers until April 16.
MOLDOVA – Limited number of borders opened, with possible slowdowns.
GEORGIA – No restrictions for truck drivers, subject to increased safety measures.
KAZAKHSTAN – State borders service provided guidelines for the freight forwarding, with increased safety measures.
TAJIKISTAN – Some borders have been closed for people but remain open for truck drivers. Possible slowdowns.
TURKEY – No restrictions to freight forwarding.
*Update 19.03.2020*
USA
Operations at Bayport and Barbours, Houston, are suspended as one operator, who was engaged in both terminals, has been found positive to the Covid-19 test. By now, no information about the suspension period is available.
EUROPE
Finland
The Government has decided to restrict entry traffic at borders for people. Freight forwarding will not be subject to restrictions.
Hungary
Effective midnight of March 17, Hungary has closed borders. International Road Freight operators can cross Hungarian borders only following these directives:
- Road freight vehicles departing from and arriving in Hungary, together with those currently traveling, can cross the border and proceed without any restriction.
- Any other vehicle driven by a non-Hungarian driver, arriving from Italy with destination Hungary, will have access to Hungary, Croatia, and Austria only through designated routes attaining to containment protocol.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
The Decree issued on March 16 restricts the entry of foreign citizens from March 18 to May 1st, but it does not impact on international freight vehicles drivers.
TURKEY
Road freight operators coming from Italy, from other EU countries (Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden) and from China, Iraq, Iran, South Korea must observe a quarantine period.
UZBEKISTAN
Restrictions imposed on private vehicles do not impact on the road-, rail-, sea-, and air-freight forwarding. Delays at the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are due to the restrictive measures put in place by Kazakhstan.
*Update 18.03.2020*
Dear all, as the Covid-19 outbreak is impacting countries globally, we have prepared a dedicated update.
Here you can find the main news about the countries in which our branch offices are located:
EUROPE
You can find detailed information about border waiting times in Europe here: covid-19.sixfold.com
Romania
Offices are fully operational, with the majority of people working from remote.
Flights to Italy, Spain and France are suspended. Cargo is operational but with high rates. Constanta port is fully operational; Koper is facing slowdowns due to limited trucking connections to Romania.
There are long waiting times at the borders due to increased safety measures. A lot of drivers are under quarantine, and this is causing a service slowdown.
Austria
Even if freight transport is excluded from quarantine restrictions, there are long waiting times at the borders due to increased safety measures. There is a lack of freight space for direct transports.
Germany
Due to the entry restrictions, there are increased border waiting times when entering Germany. Smaller border crossings to Austria have been closed.
France
Due to the Decree issued by the French Government, extraordinary measures have been applied, such as the closure of the main activities. Due to this situation, we are facing service slowdowns. There are no traffic limitations.
UK
No traffic limitations.
CHINA
All our Chinese offices have resumed work as well as the majority of local companies and factories.
Air Freight – reduced flight options due to passenger flight suspension. The low availability is impacting air rates which are increasing;
Ocean Freight – so far space is available, even if we register less space capacity than usual;
Road Freight – the service is going back to normal standards, only Hubei province is still limited;
Customs – performing a normal activity.
TAIWAN
In Taiwan, the situation is well contained at the moment. All the offices and factories are working normally.
Air Freight – reduced flight options due to passenger flight suspension and low space availability. This is impacting air rates, which are increasing.
Ocean Freight – so far space is available, and we are not facing problems with bookings;
Road Freight – the service is performing as usual;
Customs – performing a normal activity.
USA
Air Freight - Import from Europe only with cargo freighter, all the other origin are not affected. Export: increasing rates.
Ocean Freight - We expect a possible ports congestion, due to an increase of import requests. Export steady rates from the east and west coast.
Road Transportation - No major issue in the road transportation system at the moment.
Customs - By now, the service is performing normally.
THAILAND, VIETNAM, INDONESIA
The situation in these countries is rapidly evolving. The Countries’ Governments have blocked immigration for the next month.
CAMBODIA and MYANMAR
Air Freight – The service is still operating, but flights are heavily delayed impacting on rates that are increasing;
Ocean Freight – By now, service is not impacted;
Road Freight – By now, service is keeping normal standards;
Customs – By now, the service is performing normally.
INDIA
To safeguard the health of our colleagues, all our Indian branches are adopting a remote working policy thus highly reducing physical presence at our offices.
AUSTRALIA
To safeguard the health of our colleagues, all our Indian branches are adopting a remote working policy thus highly reducing physical presence at our offices.
Air Freight – We are still able to supply service even though we are facing flight cancellations, thus increasing rates.
Ocean Freight – so far, the service is normally performing
Road Freight – so far, the service is normally performing
Customs – so far, the service is normally performing
CHILE
By today, March 18, Chile has entered what is called Phase 4 of the outbreak (uncontrolled and widespread community transmission).
Air freight: Latam, the national airline operates with less than 30% flight schedule but connection and cargo shipments are still ongoing.
-US: Connections with US operative with some delays
-Europe: Connection with Europe countries France, UK and Germany still operative, Connection with Italy and Spain suspended
-Australia and New Zealand. Connection with New Zealand operative, Australia with some delays.
-Infralatam (Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and Panama, ): connections still operative. Peru canceled all the connections.
Ocean freight: All ports including San Antonio and Valparaiso still operative with limited operative time window.
Road Freight: Cargo freight with Argentina and Peru is ok, passengers and tourists' vehicles are not allowed to cross the border.
Customs: Offices are at present working regularly
Additional information concerning Latin America: in Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia the situation is very much similar to our Chilean ones. Brazil has no entry restrictions at this time but subjects to change.
