Update - Hurricane Sandy Clean Up November 2, 2012

Liberty International has received the following updates regarding clean up and repair status for Air, Ocean and Warehouse / Rail Operations in the New York & New Jersey Area.

JFK International Airport continues to run on a limited basis. Several flights have been delayed or cancelled.  Liberty continues to see shipments being diverted to other major airports such as Chicago where expedited trucking services to JFK are being arranged. Liberty and our airline, warehouse and trucking partners will continue to expedite shipments.

The two major East Coast rail companies, CSX Intermodal and Norfolk Southern, have announced a return to service on all off dock rail shipments. Delays are expected of up to 72 hours while these two rail companies clear congestion. On dock rail service from the Ports of New York & New Jersey remain closed while power is still shut down and the Ports remain inaccessible.

The Army Corps of Engineers is 75% complete in their inspection of the Channel and expect to be completed over the weekend.  The terminals have been ramping up inspections on equipment so once power is restored, they will be able to begin vessel operations immediately.

Some steamship lines have elected to divert cargo outside of New York / New Jersey and are having ships discharge containers in other East Coast Ports like Norfolk and Baltimore.  Carriers made this decision to reduce the number of vessels waiting for the terminals to reopen and to alleviate significant delays to vessel schedules. Once port operations resume in New York / New Jersey steamship lines will arrange inland transportation to the ports.

Liberty has been advised that some New York / New Jersey warehouses have re-opened in either a partial capacity or have returned to full operation. Liberty will continue to expedite containers to and from Port facilitlies as they become available.

We have estimated delays for ocean freight of one week at this time.  

Customs and Border Protection have examined equipment used for VACIS (X-ray) exams and confirmed no damage to the equipment was found. As soon as terminals reopen CBP will be able to perform these examinations as quickly as they are able.

We are committed to providing our clients daily updates regarding this issue. If you would like further information or would like to notify us on any shipments that you would like us to expedite please contact your Liberty account representative.