Air cargo capacity for European freight will be further reduced by the expansion of US travel restrictions that now also include Ireland and the United Kingdom. The initial ban imposed last week was on humans traveling from Schengen-area countries in Europe to the US, which resulted in the mass cancellation of passenger flights. These travel constraints were imposed by the US government to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
For shippers trying to move European goods, air remains a viable but challenging mode. Securing air cargo capacity is difficult, and there are significant delays, including wait times that may be up to a week for airlines to load goods.
Ocean freight may be a viable alternative for both US East and West Coast-bound shipments. Port-to-port transit times to New York and Boston from Europe start at approximately eight to ten days. Ocean freight from Europe is currently without restrictions or delays; however, there are some shortages of open-top containers, reefers, and 20’ containers at some origins.
If you have questions concerning specific shipments, please contact the Deringer Service Center managing your account.