COVID-19 FAQ
What you need to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19) to keep your freight moving
COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by The World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, with the spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries. In the past months COVID-19 has created a great deal of confusion and disruption throughout the world to business and to people's day-to-day lives. Although this is a rapidly evolving situation, the virus will be part of our personal and professional lives for the foreseeable future.
Our priority at Thai Cargo Logistics is the safety of our employees and the community while, at the same time, ensuring the resources and services we provide our clients remain uninterrupted. We want to keep your freight moving in these uncertain times.
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, Universal is doing everything we can to support our clients. We are committed to keeping you informed of the ever changing trade environment and related issues impacting your business. We know you have a lot of questions – please remember we're here to help.
General questions
Does Thai Cargo Logistics have a plan in place to deal with the growing spread of COVID-19?
Yes. Universal is monitoring the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and has put measures in place to ensure the health and safety of all our team members and the community. Our initial communication to our employee group focused on general awareness and safety precaution measures, as outlined in this excerpt from our internal newsletter, Universal & You.For our employee group at all offices we have implemented a comprehensive work-from-home program. Where a physical employee presence is required, we are strictly adhering to all safety, hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
Will shipments be delayed during the COVID-19 outbreak due to operational disruptions at Thai Cargo Logistics?
Universal's services have been deemed an essential service by the Ontario, Quebec, New York and Ohio Governments (where our own offices reside), and we fully expect to continue providing the critical logistics services our clients require during this difficult time. We have a comprehensive work-from-home program currently in effect. Where a physical employee presence is required, a skeleton staff is on site. At our offices and warehouses we are following all safety, hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
However, the situation is very fluid and continues to change on a daily basis. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential disruptions caused by government policies and other circumstances beyond our control. We will continue to communicate and update our clients with Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alerts via email and through the COVID-19 page on our web site as required.
What should I do if I cannot deliver a shipment to a facility due to unexpected warehouse or business closures?
Depending on the nature of the cargo, Thai Cargo Logistics' warehouse facility in Thailand, Toronto is available as a short-term storage option until your shipment can be accepted. Please contact our Distribution Services Team for more information.
How is the import value of donated medical supplies assessed?
The value for duty of medical supplies should be based on the price paid by the importer or, if not available, such as a donation, a value that can be attributed based on the best available information in Canada (e.g. based on web-based pricing that a Canadian importer would pay for these goods).