Service Update
Information from the railways, the trucking industry, and the ports indicates that networks remain fluid, and transit consistency, equipment supply are generally meeting the demand.
Some FMA members indicate that container supply may become a problem due to the global supply chain imbalances that are stranding containers where industries are largely shut down.
CP included the following note in their update today.
CP’s network remains fluid. The Canada-U.S. border is open for commerce, with both national governments recognizing the necessity for ongoing cross-border trade. Similarly, whether it is transporting fuel oil and propane, or foods, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants or moving grain to our ports, CP’s trains are continuing to move in Canada and the U.S. The supply chain supporting essential railway operations also remains strong.
We have had a report of a shipment of urgently needed medical supplies being delayed at the border by CBSA.
While airline passenger service is being shut down, Air Canada is continuing cargo flights from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to various major industrial areas in Europe and Asia.
Trucker Support
Further to our report that FMA contacted to the Canadian Chamber Commerce on the treatment of truck drivers, they included an item on their widely-circulated daily COVID-19 report today emphasizing the need to accommodate truck drivers wherever they need to stop. The Chamber message can be found at
http://chamber.ca/media/blog/200331-trucking-industry-covid-19/
Government spokespersons are also weighing in on the treatment of truck drivers as in the following item.
https://www.trucknews.com/transportation/minister-blasts-businesses-over-washroom-access/1003138865/
Updates on the Website
All the COVID-19 updates that FMA has issued are now uploaded to the website and there is a link to them on the home page at www.fma-agf.ca .
Our focus in the FMA updates continues be on supply-chain impacts of COVID-19. In this connection, any information from members will be useful in our continuing outreach to members and our communications with the government and with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. As always, all individual company information will be kept confidential.