Dear Valued Customer,
As an update to our initial advisory, see logistics impacts below:
- Air freight – Expect delays and short notice changes to air traffic routes when flying to/from Israel. Israel’s civil aviation authority is advising carriers to carry extra fuel as a precaution. Ben Gurion Airport remains operational but limited staff and heightened security may impact service. While the majority of international airlines are not offering services to Israel, there is some capacity available through El Al and Challenge IL and other foreign airlines who remain operational to maintain the flow of goods.
- Ocean freight – Backlogs at Israeli ports are growing due in part to decreased staff and heightened security. While all ports remain operational, Ashdod continues to operate in “emergency mode” and all hazardous materials need prior approval before entering the port. The Port of Haifa, which is prepared to receive cargo diverted from Ashdod, also requires a 24-hour notice of any hazardous materials before entering the port. Ocean carriers, like ZIM, MSC and Maersk, continue to accept bookings to and from Israel. For new freight, a war risk surcharge may be applied to bookings and is subject to change every 24-hours based on risk analysis.
- Domestic transport– Road and rail transportation remains operational in and around the country apart from the Gaza Strip as main roads remain closed near the border. The Allenby/King Hussein/al-Karama bridge is now operating with limited hours with food items being prioritized. Cargo related to motor vehicles and sand shipments may not be processed. The Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein border crossing is operating with limited hours and workers, no dangerous goods are permitted currently. The Nitzana border between Israel and Egypt is currently closed. Today, Tarqumiyah, Gilboa/Jalama and Sha’ar Ephraim crossings are open for all types of cargo. Previously, those crossings were only processing humanitarian cargo.
- Customs – All customs offices remain operational.
C.H. Robinson and Ruth Cargo, our exclusive agent in Israel, remain operational within Israel and broader Middle East. The status of border crossings, access to airports or ports, etc. may change on short notice in response to conflict developments. For our customers directly impacted, we are implementing contingency plans as appropriate, and we will offer other alternatives to move your freight. If your freight has the potential of being impacted, your local C.H. Robinson representative will be reaching out.
Thank you for being a Valued Customer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your C.H. Robinson commercial representative for further information.