Purpose: This article, is to only inform you that carrier disruptions are occurring. Further support and information for shipping during peak times is available here.
Country-wide restrictions
Due to the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, additional localized service adjustments may be in place in some countries.
Last updated: 22 December 2020
Attention: Delays affecting inbound/outbound deliveries to the UK
Due to measures taken by the French government to temporarily close its border with the UK, ground shipments travelling through the Eurotunnel between the UK and continental Europe may be delayed. We advise you to select Express shipping methods where possible as Air mail shipments are not affected by these measures.
We are still waiting on official announcements as carriers update their services in line with the latest announcements, however we advise you in advance to prepare for significant delays and/or suspension of services.
Attention: Announcement of further restrictions in The Netherlands and Germany
Due to further restrictions in The Netherlands and Germany, carriers are taking measures to prevent a further outbreak. These measures include:
- Reduced to no possibility to pick up packages at service points
- Reduced to no possibility to schedule (one-off) pickups
- Reduced to no possibility of rerouting packages
We predict that the latest measures including the closure of all non-essential and retail shops will spark an extra wave of increased parcel volumes. The vast majority of retail stores who operate as a base for Pick Up/Drop Off points (PuDo) for shipping carriers are closed as a result of these additional measurements.
Latest carrier updates and status pages
To keep on top of the current situation so you can prepare and communicate with your customers accordingly, we strongly recommend that you check the status page of your chosen carrier/s for the latest updates.
While every effort is made to keep this page up to date, we cannot guarantee that new measures have not taken effect in between updates.
You can also check the status information that we have received here
Bpost
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update: 11-12-2020: All Post Offices will be closed on 24/12 (afternoon), 25/12, /26/12, /31/12 and on 01/01.
Update 01-12-2020: To compensate for the increased shipping volume, bpost are opening temporary collection locations in Decathlon stores. It's possible that customers who live near one of these locations will have their parcel diverted. They will be informed via email, the bpost app and Track & Trace updates if this is the case.
Chronopost
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update: 15-12-2020: No current updates.
Colissimo/La Poste
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update: 15-12-2020: For any requests concerning parcels that have not yet been delivered, the unprecedented situation means we are obliged to extend the usual response time.
The maximum parcel size is 1 metre for the longest dimension and/or 1.50m for the total dimensions (L+W+H <1.50m), in order to ensure social distancing can be complied with and avoid the need for parcels to be handled by 2 people.
Correos/Correos Express
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: As a result of the lack of viable transportation to many countries, the admission of mail and parcels for some international destinations is suspended.
Update 21-10-2020: Due to high shipping volumes, pickups are delayed and POD will not be signed for Correos national shipments. Due to current circumstances and precaution, delays will occur. Please keep that in mind, since no delayed claims will be opened.
Deutsche Post
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 14-12-2020: Expected delays in delivery of shipments.
DHL
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: Updates per affected zone are as follows -
- The Netherlands - a limited number of DHL ServicePoints are closed. Parcels in a closed location will be returned to the sender. Parcels in transit will be rerouted to the closest open location.
- Belgium - expect shipping delays of up to 1-2 days.
- France - some service points have been closed. Parcels will be returned to sender or moved to an available service point. For Business recipients, include a phone number in their address details so they can be contacted.
- Germany - expect delivery delay of at least 1 day or longer. Shipments that are in transit to closed business locations will be returned to sender.
- Greece - The dimensions of packages to Greece are limited to a maximum of 40x40x40cm. Larger packages and non-conveyable parcels will be returned to the sender.
- UK and Ireland - Due to the forthcoming Brexit measures, it is very busy in the Eurotunnel. In the United Kingdom, the delay is several days and in Ireland, the delay can be up to seven days.
DHL Express
Update 10-12-2020: Temporary service adjustment measures with regards to delays can be found here.
Temporary Service adjustments for DHL Express Time Definite International services arising from the COVID-19 pandemic situation as of 10th December 2020
Please note, as the situation is dynamic, the information is subject to change without notice.
For information about the DHL Express Emergency Situation Surcharge click here
For updates in local languages click here
DHL Express is maintaining delivery services around the world. Below please find the service status for impacted countries.
DHL delivery carrier's continue to opertate, but the maximum capacity has now been reached.
We have a few tips for you:
- Do not give more shipments to our driver than agreed. In this way we keep the high volumes under control together.
You can help us by promoting the DHL ServicePoints in your webshop.
- Stay alert to compliance with the corona rules when the DHL deliverer comes by.
Adjustments to our services
Our capacity has been maximally increased. This weekend we are running at full speed, also on Sunday 20 December. We now deliver business shipments on their way to a consumer from our business network.
We keep recipients informed. Via track and trace, the parcel point card, social media and e-mails about the delivery.
To ensure successful residential deliveries, please ask your private receivers to register at www.ondemand.dhl.com, where they can choose preferred delivery options, including non-contact delivery.
DPD
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update: 31 -12-2020: DPD confirms that our Classic European road service will recommence on
Monday 4 January, 2021. Shipping from this date will now require the additional mandatory Brexit data. You will be able to create labels for shipping into Europe from 00.01 on Monday 4 January. Northern Ireland latest Further to the update we sent to you yesterday, the Government has
now confirmed the list of restricted items which DPD cannot ship at this time.
Update: 24-12-2020:
Due to the severe delays at the port of Dover following the decision by the French government to close the border with the UK on Sunday, and the consequent backlog we now face, our European road services to continental Europe are suspended until Monday 4 January.
Update: 21-12-2020: Due to the closure of the French/English border and the Eurotunnel, DPD have no choice but to suspend European road services to the EU and the Republic of Ireland with immediate effect. The DPD Classic service will be disabled until further notice. Air Express services to Europe and the rest of the world remains available.
Update 18-12-2020: Germany - Due to the closure of many store operating as parcelshops, 2 delivery attempts will be made to private addresses, 1 attempt for business addresses.
Update 17-12-2020:
- DPD NL: DPD realizes that the delivery of (online) ordered products fulfills an important social role. As a result, we are fully focused on providing you with the best possible service, especially during this period. But what does the lockdown mean for your shipments?
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- We will keep you informed of all relevant developments at all times. We will also display all information and any delays on our website as well as possible for you and your customers. Our urgent advice to you is to display this information on your website in the best possible way, so that your customers also know what changes could be taken into account.
- The usual working method for all private addresses is that your parcel is delivered to your home at a Pickup parcel shop after a first unsuccessful delivery attempt. Due to the closure of a large number of stores that operate as parcel shops, this working method becomes unclear for the recipient. That is why, as of December 16, not only will a home delivery be introduced for the 2nd delivery attempt, but as the first party in the Netherlands we are now also introducing the 3rd delivery attempt at home. If the recipient still does not open on the 3rd delivery attempt, the package will be returned.
- For all business addresses (companies/schools /shops), there will be no second delivery attempt until further notice, as many of these locations will be closed in the coming weeks. The packages are returned to the sender after the 1st delivery attempt. We advise you to check in advance whether the recipient of your shipment is open before submitting the shipment to DPD.
- As of today, December 15, non-essential stores will be closed. Pick-up parcelshops are officially exempted by the cabinet. DPD will do their best to also provide you with news reports as accurately as possible with the latest developments regarding the Pickup parcel shop network.
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We keep you as good and accurate as possible to keep you informed of all developments concerning our services. For a complete overview of all exceptions per country, please refer to our website dpd.nl/akketalert .
- UK & IE:
- As of 21 December, the Collection Request service will not be available across borders to and from the United Kingdom in connection with Brexit. Until further notice you will not be able to order Collection Requests in the UK. This change has been made in the label tool DPD Shipper Central and Local. If you have set up your own software, please note that these requests will not be honoured. For a complete overview of all exceptions per country we refer you to our website dpd.nl/pakketalert.
Update 15-06-2020: In many European countries, all non-essential businesses are closed. Please consult the status page for information per country.
GLS
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: GLS are reminding their customers that deliveries can be disrupted due to the closure of retail and business locations throughout Europe.
Until further notice, a temporary maximum weight of 31.5 kg per parcel will apply throughout Europe. National shipping within Germany is not affected by this restriction, so this only applies to export shipments (EuroBusinessParcel and EuroExpressParcel).
Hermes
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: No updates.
Mondial Relay
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: No updates.
Österreichische Post AG
For the latest updates from the carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: You can find a list of currently closed post office locations here.
Poste Italiane
For the latest updates from the carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 15-12-2020: No updates.
PostNL
Update 17-12-2020
For the latest updates from the carrier, visit their status page here.
All over the world, there are currently delays due to various circumstances, such as Black Friday, upcoming holidays, heavy snowfall, and especially the Coronavirus.
Delays include Germany, Austria, Italy. Due to problems at Calais, our trucks are experiencing delays en route to the UK.
Below the link to our page with current delays.
https://www.postnl.nl/klantenservice/actuele-vertragingen/buitenland/
Royal Mail
For the latest updates from this carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 21-12-2020: Temporary suspension of international services to Europe (with the exception of the Republic or Ireland), Canada and Turkey due to Coronavirus transport impacts. Please visit the status page for the full list of countries in which service is terminated.
UPS
For the latest updates from the carrier, visit their status page here.
Update 21-12-2020: Due to the closure of the Eurotunnel, please be aware that all ground travelling packages to and from the UK from the EU are currently delayed. UPS advise you to select Express shipping methods where possible as these parcels will not be affected by the border closure.
Update 18-12-2020: UPS will not be accepting cash on delivery in the following counties: Belgium, Luxembourg. Deliveries on Saturday have been suspended in Italy.
Update 17-12-2020: UPS Italy will discontinue collection and delivery of UPS Standard service in the following areas: Milan, Monza, Cremona, Lodi, Pavia, Piacenza, Como, Varese, Sondrio and Lecco. Packages which are currently on the way will still be delivered. We recommend only using UPS Express services for shipping only to the below locations:
20010 - 20900 Milano-Monza26010 - 26900 Cremona-Lodi27010 - 27100 Pavia29010 - 29122 Piacenza21010 - 21100 Varese22010 - 22100 Como23010 - 23900 Sondrio-Lecco
Update 15-12-2020: In some countries deliveries may not be possible due to closure of retail and business locations. UPS Access Points can be affected by this. To find out more, use the UPS Global Locator to find an available drop off location.
Good luck!
For more information on how coronavirus COVID-19 is effecting e-commerce businesses across Europe, visit our article here. We regularly update our information based on the latest news and developments. Do you have any questions about your shipments in this uncertain time? Contact us via the live chat in your Sendcloud environment.
Read our blog post on how coronavirus is impacting e-commerce businesses and how you can minimize the impact on your customers.
In order to control the coronavirus COVID-19, governments and business owners alike are taking action. Please take note of restrictions, these are not as common anymore but some areas may temporarily be inaccessible for carrier providers in the case of localized outbreaks.
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