Service Update – All Modes
Truck, Rail, Air and Ports all report operations remain normal.
Rail
CP has updated its information on possible flooding that could impact its lines in Manitoba and Iowa, as follows.
We are closely monitoring flooding conditions across the property specifically the Southern Manitoba and Davenport, Iowa areas.
Canadian Region:
Emerson: the Red River crest is expected between April 15 and April 18. No imminent risk anticipated at this time to our operations.
US Region:
Davenport: the Mississippi River is cresting at 18 feet which will not impact operations given the work performed last year by CP teams.
Marine
There is no new information today on the Oceanex service to Newfoundland. FMA continues to monitor the situation.
Air Cargo
WestJet Cargo reports on its operations to move vital supplies across the country. The following link provides more information.
https://blog.westjet.com/westjet-cargo-connecting-whats-needed/
Supply Chain Commentaries
A Journal of Commerce (JOC) article from April 14 provides information on the disruption faced by U.S. agricultural shippers from blanked sailings by ocean carriers. The timing problems, faced by shippers, are resulting in scheduling difficulties and increased ancillary charges as loaded containers are held up in various port and inland terminals. While this article reports on the U.S. situation, Canadian agricultural shippers will be facing similar problems. The JOC article can be found at the red bar below.
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 .
The focus of the FMA updates is on the impacts of COVID-19 on supply chains.
Information and questions from members are encouraged and 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.