Egyptian troubles cause further service disruptions
Major disruptions to express services continue in Egypt as anti-government protests grow in support. UPS and DHL Express are currently running limited services, whilst FedEx and TNT operations remain suspended.
UPS said that due to the current political unrest, shipments in and out of Egypt may experience delays.
Speaking to Post&Parcel this afternoon, UPS spokesperson Susan Rosenberg confirmed that partial operations are going ahead through UPS’s Egyptian service contractor Mansour Courier Services, however the company is continuing to monitor developments.
The company said that collections are currently only taking place in the Cairo City and Greater Cairo area. Deliveries are limited to Cairo City and Greater Cairo, where possible.
“At this point, safety is our main concern. Absolutely,” Rosenberg said.
When contacted by Post&Parcel, DHL spokesperson Jörg Wiedemann said a limited service had been resumed in certain parts of Egypt.
Wiedemann confirmed that some services resumed yesterday (Wednesday) after an initial suspension earlier this week.
He added that due to DHL Express’ ‘in-house customs’ operation, “it has been possible to keep the flow going”. However, with ports being closed, Ocean Freight goods are delayed.
As it stands, TNT and FedEx services remain suspended.
A TNT spokesman said that with no change in the prevailing situation of political unrest, it has thus been decided to further extend suspension of service until 5 February. The operator said that countries are requested not to forward any material to facilitate clearing of the existing backlog held at the feeding hubs and the country gateway.
“It is also requested that all escalations be put to hold in the interim. A further broadcast will be arranged after reviewing the current situation,” TNT confirmed.
FedEx Express has suspended services across the country until further notice. The suspension was originally put in place on 29 January.
FedEx facilities at Paris Charles De Gaulle, London Heathrow and Dubai International airports are holding any shipments going to Egypt until further notice.
“We are closely monitoring this situation and we have operational contingency plans in place to minimise any service delays. We will resume services as soon as possible. We’d like to thank our customers for their understanding in this matter,” a FedEx statement said.
Anti government protestors continue to clash with supporters of president Hosni Mubarak.
Mubarak announced in a TV statement on Tuesday that he will step down after 30 years in charge, after state elections in September.
According to reports, demonstrators plan to march on the presidential palace tomorrow (Friday).
