Our world, our nation and our industry are faced with a disaster of unbelievable proportions.
At this point, noon, September 12, 2001, no-one is able to estimate the impact, short term or long term, socially or functionally. We are all saddened and angered that such atrocities can be brought against our people.
BDP International is committed to providing unlimited, timely, communication and information to our employees, industry friends, partners, and customers around the globe. As a result, BDP will post regular updates, to our website, over the coming days, weeks, and months. Should you need up-to-date information, please log on to www.bdpinternational.com. Here you will find up-to-the-minute information.
Initially, it should be understood that New York, in some ways, is the center of many industry activities to-and-from the United States. Also, the World Trade Center Complex in New York, was the epicenter for activity relating to International Carriers, Banks, Insurance Companies, Port Authorities, and Consulates. At this time, it is too early to accurately estimate the impact on your supply chain. Please note possible areas of concern:
1) Air Carriage - our airports have been closed for the past 27 hours. They are tentatively scheduled to re-open today. However, it will be many days before normal domestic and international flights enjoy the strength of their previous schedule. As a result of this incident, security will be enhanced at all airports throughout the U.S. and all major international airports around the world. This may cause delays, and a shortage in capacity for both passengers and cargo.
2) Air Carriage for Dangerous Goods - it is expected that strict enforcement of current laws, and potential changes to those laws, will occur in the immediate future. As a result, we expect these changes to impact the manner in which shipments are processed, especially dangerous goods. BDP will strictly audit all chemicals and related materials, and documentation related thereto, for these commodities. As a result of new security and loading procedures, and the strict enforcement of current laws, you may expect delays in the transportation of these products.
3) Document Distribution via Air Courier - as a result of the closing of all airports in North America, all major courier companies have been grounded. This includes UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc..... Normal courier operations are expected to be disrupted over the next 4-6 days. BDP will look to increase usage of the Internet for distribution of information. As well, sending advance copies of critical documents via fax. However, for global trade lanes with short-transit destinations, you may experience delays in receipt of documentation necessary for Customs Clearance and delivery.
4) Ocean Carriers - Some of our colleagues in the Steamship Industry were housed in the World Trade Center. Key carrier operations have been traditional centered around lower Manhattan. We can expect some disruption in the normal services provided by certain carriers. This could cause delays in securing bookings, information, sailing confirmation and retrieval of Ocean Bills-of-Lading. We plan to provide updates on the operational capacity of these companies, as known.
5) The Port of New York - The Ocean Ports of New York, the largest in our nation, will be closed, in part or in total, for at least the remainder of this week. This is greatly affecting vessel sailing schedules, and normal port rotations to and from the North East of the United States. Much of the cargo received in the Northeast and Midwest, is often destined for vessels sailing to and from the Ports of New York.
6) The New York Port Authorities - Unfortunately, many of the port authorities and administrative bodies, which support port activity, were located in the World Trade Center and surrounding Lower Manhattan. As a result of their displacement, and the mass confusion they face, the New York Port may experience unusual disruptions and delays.
7) International Banks - Many banking institutions were domiciled in the World Trade Center. It can be expected that information processing, drafts and letter-of-credit delays will occur.
8) Insurance Companies - Many insurance companies also were located at this complex. In addition, claims related to these disasters will be filed with all major insurance companies providing various types of coverage to companies and victims. You can expect delays in cargo claims processing.
In addition to these issues, there will be ramifications to your supply chain, and the normal course of international business, that can not be identified, nor the impact estimated as this time.
BDP IS COMMITTED TO THE PROPER AND TIMELY COMMUNICATION OF ALL INDUSTRY, REGULATORY, LOGISTICS AND TRANSACTIONAL INFORMATION NECESSARY TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED. WE WILL WORK DILIGENTLY TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF THIS TRAGEDY.
WE AT BDP EXTEND OUR PRAYERS AND SYMPATHIES THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF THESE HORRENDOUS ACTS IN NEW YORK, WASHINGTON AND PENNSYLVANIA. WE EXTEND A PERSONAL OFFER OF HELP TO ALL COMPANIES IN THE TRADE COMMUNITY AFFECTED BY THIS CRISIS.
PLEASE ACCESS OUR WEBSITE AT www.bdpinternational.com. for the latest information.
Thank you.
John Bolte
Chief Operating Officer
BDP International
