Worldwide shipping delays by postal networks
Hi All
Just a note for everyone who has ordered from overseas.
We have had reports from Royal Mail about shipping delays in many countries.
check below for some countries that have recently changed their status
Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and USA.
Australia
Start date: 12 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 Jund 2020
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Update: 2 June 2020
Australia Post are currently experiencing higher than Christmas peak volumes of mail. There is currently no air backlogs, however we are currently only shipping into Sydney which means onward transport is required for mail to reach destination causing delays. There are also Coronavirus 'hot-spots' around Australia which may cause further delays.
Update: 22 April 2020
The measures implemented in Australia to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 are also affecting delivery standards. As a result, delays to letter and parcel deliveries may be apparent.
Original Incident: 12 March 2020
Australian Post has informed us that it has suspended signature on delivery for inbound items effective immediately. Delivery will be conducted via limited face-to-face methods to reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by avoiding human contact.
Canada
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 June 2020
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Update: 2 June 2020
Canada Post are experiencing extremely high volumes of mail, customers can expect significant delays as Canada Post recover. There are large backlogs in Toronto, new mail postings into Toronto can expect delays of 7-10 days above normal delivery aims.
Original Incident: 16 March 2020
Canada has put special measures in place from Monday 16 March, to limit the spread of Coronavirus. Canada Post need to comply and is also likely to have a reduced workforce available, and not be able to deliver all mail to specifications. Signature on delivery is suspended and delays to mail services can be expected.
Other service affecting issues:
Start date: 9 October 2017
Incident: High mail volumes entering Canada
What's the issue?
As previously advised, Canada Post have notified us that they are experiencing delays to delivery services due to high volumes of incoming mail. Delivery aims for Royal Mail services for Canada are normally 5-7 working day, however, International Standard and International Tracked & Signed are severely delayed, taking 3-4 weeks to be delivered.
Start date: 11 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 June 2020
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Update: 2 June 2020
Japan Post has advised they are now behind in clearing their international mail centres for onward transit of items into the country. Customers should expect delays until backlogs are cleared.
Original Incident: 11 March 2020
We're accepting letters and parcels destined for Japan, however, delays may be experienced as air connections have been severely limited. We're looking at alternative solutions to maintain service.
Start date: 16 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 June 2020
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Update: 2 June 2020
New Zealand Post has accumulated significant backlogs of mail, particularly for North Island. Customers can expect significant delays while the backlogs are being cleared.
Update:6 April 2020
Mail despatches to New Zealand have resumed, and we’re prioritising the processing and shipment of mail held during the recent period of suspension. Delays will still be evident as in-country restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Original Incident: 16 March 2020
We're currently not sending items to New Zealand as there are no available transport links. Items sent will be held and you'll experience significant delays.
Start date: 11 March 2020
Latest Update: 2 June 2020 2020
End date: Ongoing
Incident: Coronavirus
Update: 2 June 2020
Mail and parcels are being moved around the USA and managed through many international mail centres across the country. This is outside of the normal operating procedures, and is so the United States Postal Service (USPS) can manage the very high volumes.
- Los Angeles - is processing 50% more than they do in Christmas peak period, and are experiencing significant delays.
- JFK (New York) & Miami - is up to date and processing normally.
- San Fransisco - is handling heavy volumes and have moved international work to domestic mail centres outside of the normal International Mail Centres to cope with high volumes. Customers should expect delays.
- Chicago - were experiencing a backlog and have now cleared their export mail and are up to date. However, they are now focusing on moving military freight and USPS are now redirecting flights to JFK for international items. This is currently resulting in an additional 7 – 10 days for items to sent via Chicago.
Customers should expect delays across the USA, some are significant as USPS continues to deal with heavy increases in volumes.
Update: 14 April
The USA has has introduced special quarantine measures against Coronavirus. As a result, USPS may not be able to deliver mail to specifications, signatures on delivery may be suspended in order to prevent spread of the infection. Delays to mail services can be expected.
Update: 18 March 2020
At the weekend, the US travel ban for passengers from EU countries was extended to include the UK and Ireland. This relates to people, rather than goods. Royal Mail’s International services to the USA remain operational. We continue to accept and process traffic for the USA. Some delays are to be expected due to restrictions on movement to minimise the spread of the virus.
Original Incident: 11 March 2020
We continue to operate a normal service to the USA following the announcement on 11 March by Donald Trump. We will be continuing to monitor the situation and will advise of any changes immediately that impact our service to the USA.