Service Update – All Modes
As reported over the past few days, information from all modes indicates that the Canadian transportation system continues to function normally.  

This afternoon, the Port of Vancouver reports on service as follows: Port operations are fluid with good anchorage supply. Rail and truck movement remains steady. Export container supply is tightening with grain transloads experiencing capacity constraints.

Truck Driver – Essential Services Letter
Transport Canada has posted a template letter that companies can provide to their truck drivers to verify that they are essential service workers.  The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has provided more detail on this government-industry initiative.  The CTA item can be found at http://cantruck.ca/transport-canada-issues-employment-confirmation-letter-for-essential-transportation-workers/

The Transport Canada notice with access to a Word version of the draft template letter can be accessed at   employment-confirmation-essential-transportation-worker.html

Supply Chain Commentaries
1 As reported in  American Shipper,  the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General issued a Corona Virus forecast on Wednesday.  Like many of such forecasts, it includes a range of scenarios.  He comments that in the best case, the world trade volume could collapse by 12.9% this year and in a worst case the the collapse could be 31.9%.  The full article can be found at the first red bar below.

2 The second commentary, from Canadian Shipper discusses supply chain risk mitigation strategies and actions that shippers can consider in dealing with freight transportation in this difficult and uncertain time.  The full article can be found at the second red bar below.    

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Canadian Business Resliance Network
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has initiated this new network that will be of value businesses large and small.  It will help Canadian business navigate the COVID-19 reality and help businesses to prepare for recovery.  The sign-up page can be found at https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/

FMA Government Relations
FMA has continuing communications with Transport Canada Surface Policy and Marine Policy officials and with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).  Any issues that FMA members wish to bring to the attention of of government officials can be forwarded by FMA to the appropriate people at Transport Canada or telephone calls can be arranged with officials.

FMA Office Operations
FMA staff are primarily working from home.  If you need to talk with us, please send messages to me at the email address below and leave a phone number where you can be reached.

Updates Now 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. If members have questions where FMA may be able to help, please email your request.

Information from members will be useful in our continuing outreach to members and in our communications with the government and with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. As always, all individual company information will be kept confidential.

World Trade Organization Forecasts
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation