Mail and Parcel Carrier Service Updates from Around the Globe

April 12, 2022

by Jennifer Terentiuk, Quadient

AMENDED ON: 7 April 2022

In an effort to ensure you’re aware of any service disruptions that may impact your business, we’ve compiled a list of resources and links to postal and carrier alerts and updates around the globe.

We will update this post regularly with continuing news and information as we strive to keep your operations informed and your communications flowing.

UNITED STATES

USPS / Service Alerts / U.S. Postal Service Statement on the Coronavirus / Business Mailers Alerts / Domestic Service Alerts / International Service Alerts 

USPS Service Alerts have information for consumers, small businesses, and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions caused by weather-related and other natural disasters or events.

USPS Service Alerts have information for consumers, small businesses, and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions caused by weather-related and other natural disasters or events.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to prepare for hurricanes and severe weather.

USPS service alerts have information for consumers, small businesses, and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions caused by weather-related and other natural disasters, special events, or other changes impacting service.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to prepare for hurricanes and severe weather.

1 October 2021: Implementation of First-Class Mail and Periodicals service standard changes – October 1, 2021
On October 1, the Postal Service will implement new service standards for First-Class Mail and Periodicals which will increase delivery reliability, consistency, and efficiency for our customers and across our network.

Most First-Class Mail and Periodicals will be unaffected by the new service standard changes. Standards for single-piece First-Class Mail traveling within a local area will continue to be two days. Mail traveling the greatest distances will be most affected, with a day or two of transit time added for some First-Class Mail and Periodicals.

We’ll make better use of our trucks and existing surface network to move the mail, relying less on costly air transportation.

By improving service reliability and increasing efficiency, we can keep costs at reasonable levels and help keep postage rates affordable for our customers.

For more information, visit the Delivering for America page for the First Class/Periodical Service Standard Fact Sheet at https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/assets/USPS-Fact-Sheet_FCM-Service-Standard-Change.pdf 
 

UPS / Domestic and International Alerts / How UPS is responding to the Coronavirus / Impact of the Coronavirus on our Service Guarantee 

Severe weather, natural disasters, and other conditions beyond our control can occasionally disrupt our services. If there is an active service disruption, a gold alert ribbon will also appear at the top of all ups.com pages. If there is no service alert information, the UPS transportation network is operating normally.

Summary: Service Alert due to Situation in East China
UPS has temporarily suspended imports into East China (Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang).

UPS continues to closely monitor the situation.  For the most up-to-date information on the status of shipments, customers can track a package on UPS.com

Service Alert due to Situation in Ukraine
UPS has temporarily suspended operations in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. UPS continues to closely monitor the situation. For the most up-to-date information on the status of shipments, customers can track a package on ups.com.

Suspension of Service Guarantee
Currently, the Service Guarantee has been reinstated for select air and international services but is otherwise suspended. For details on the suspension and where the Service Guarantee remains available, click here. Read more about how 

UPS is responding to the Coronavirus

FedEx Service Alerts / How FedEx is responding to the Coronavirus / Temporary Surcharge / Service Updates

Conditions that may impact shipping and delivery services
Whether you’re waiting on a special purchase, shipping goods to customers, or sending that special gift to a loved one, you rely on us. But sometimes we face conditions or situations out of our control that can create delivery issues. These can include weather-related shipping disruptions or delays, natural disasters, power outages, special events, and more. 

Use this page to check our current service alerts. You’ll also find information about what shippers and recipients can do to take more control of their shipments when faced with a FedEx weather delay or other service disruption.

Active service disruptions / Weather and other service disruptions

Shanghai (PVG) Service Suspension / April 7, 2022

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown in China and impacted operations at Shanghai (PVG) Airport, effective April 5 until further notice, the following services are temporarily suspended from the Americas (U.S., Canada, and LAC) and Europe into Shanghai (PVG)

FedEx International Economy Freight (IEF) / FedEx International Priority Freight (IPF) / TNT Express Freight shipments (heavyweight >68kgs) from the Americas are temporarily suspended.

Shipments tendered to FedEx on or before April 5 will continue through the FedEx network. Shipments originating in the Americas (U.S., Canada, and LAC) that are tendered to FedEx beginning tomorrow, April 6, will be returned to sender.

Providing the best customer experience is our top priority, and we are working to minimize impacts. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding. 

To find the most updated information on your shipments, please visit fedex.com tracking.

Initially reported April 5, 2022

Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus Service Suspension / April 7, 2022
We are deeply disturbed by what is happening in Ukraine, and our thoughts and solidarity are with the people affected by this ongoing violence. Our top priority is the safety of our team members and their families, and we are providing direct financial assistance to them and the affected communities. We are temporarily suspending all Russian and Belarusian services until further notice. As previously communicated, locations in Ukraine have been temporarily closed and inbound and outbound services to Ukraine have been temporarily suspended.

Continue to check this FedEx Service Alerts page for updates. For specific shipment status information, please track your shipment at fedex.com.

The Money-Back Guarantee is currently suspended for all FedEx Express services in Europe until further notice.

Initially reported February 24, 2022

Potential causes for shipping delays

  • Heavy package volume: The COVID-19 pandemic has created record-breaking shipment volumes. As more people shop online to avoid crowds in stores, those numbers have grown even more. This has created shipping volumes that are taxing logistics networks nationwide, which may cause delays.
     
  • Weather and other service disruptions: Seasonal weather events (such as severe winter storms or wildfires) and other disruptions (such as power outages, special events, and national emergencies) may occur and cause delays for inbound and outbound shipments. Our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our team members and providing the best service to our customers.
     
  • Technology and network updates: Occasionally, technology and network updates or issues can cause service disruptions or impact our customers. When such situations arise, we work vigorously to assess those issues and take any necessary actions.
     
  • Air cargo capacity: With the ongoing pandemic, air cargo capacity remains limited. We’re adjusting our networks to better enable us to continue delivering much-needed goods and services during ongoing market constraints. 


DHL / Global Alerts / Service Alerts / Emergency Situation Surcharge 

UKRAINE SITUATION UPDATE
We are deeply saddened about the situation in Ukraine. As a company that enables trade between countries and peoples across the globe, we strive for a more connected world, with peace and prosperity for everyone.

Currently, our greatest concern and our highest priority is the safety of our employees. We have therefore closed offices and operations in Ukraine until further notice.

We are closely monitoring the situation and we will keep you updated about any further developments.

SERVICE SUSPENSIONS RUSSIA AND BELARUS
Our inbound services to Russia and Belarus have been suspended, which is why we are also not accepting shipments to those countries until further notice. In addition, DHL has also decided to suspend its domestic operations in those countries until further notice. 

We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with our customers to mitigate the impact on our international and domestic customers. We will keep you updated about any further developments.
 

CANADA

With the changing COVID-19 situation & Omicron variant, we’re experiencing impacts on staffing. As we maintain safety protocols and adjust operations to serve Canadians, customers may experience delays. More Information.

Updated information on mail delivery interruptions
Find out if mail delivery in your neighbourhood is affected by weather. (International issues below.)

Red alert: Delivery is suspended
Yellow alert: We are doing our best to deliver, but there may be delays
Delivery will resume when conditions are safe. The safety of our employees is our number one priority.

Canada: Current and past delivery interruptions in Canada. See interruptions
U.S.A. / Date posted: March 21, 2022 / Mail delivery alert for the United States of America – Expect delays as we put safety first
Belarus / Date posted: March 10, 2022 / Belarus: Postal services suspended
Russia / Date posted: March 10, 2022 / Russia: Postal services suspended
Ukraine / Date posted: March 3, 2022 / Ukraine: Expect delays for letters and parcels
Italy / Date posted: January 21, 2022 / Italy: Expect delays for letters and parcels
Ecuador / Date posted: January 20, 2022 / Ecuador: Expect delays for letters and parcels
Australia and New Zealand / Date posted: October 26, 2021 / Australia and New Zealand: Expect delays for letters and parcels
China / Date posted: September 20, 2021 / Expect significant delays for letters and parcels
 

FedEx / Delivering For You (Service Updates & Hours / FAQS / Other Help) 

Helping you navigate the road ahead
As the world evolves, so do we. And as your business adapts to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, so does our support.

Keeping safety top of mind
As we continue to support the global supply chain, we’re committed to following recommended practices for keeping our customers and team members safe. We are keeping our team members informed about COVID-19, encouraging them to get vaccinated, providing them with the proper personal protective equipment, and informing them of the importance of social distancing, a clean workspace and careful personal hygiene.

We understand that your business may have had to change the way it’s accepting deliveries. To help us serve you better, we’ve created a customizable sign for you to place on your door so our drivers will know if you’re open or closed for deliveries, your updated hours, and any special instructions you have for your deliveries. DOWNLOAD THE RIGHT SIGN FOR YOU

Keeping safety top of mind
As we continue to support the global supply chain, we’re committed to following recommended practices for keeping our customers and team members safe. We are keeping our team members informed about COVID-19, encouraging them to get vaccinated, providing them with the proper personal protective equipment, and informing them of the importance of social distancing, a clean workspace and careful personal hygiene.

Here to see you through
In times of need, our FedEx Cares team supports nonprofits with mission-critical demands. Since the pandemic began, we have provided delivery of personal protective equipment and critical supplies to organizations around the world.
HOW WE’RE HELPING

  • Learn about the latest updates on physical signature requirements. 
    VIEW SIGNATURE OPTIONS
     
  • FedEx Office continues to focus on the health and safety of customers, team members and visitors to our locations. To ensure safety in our communities, we request that all customers/visitors to FedEx Office locations wear a face covering.
    CHECK STORE DETAILS AND HOURS
     
  • Money-back guarantee was re-instated for select FedEx Express services on April 6, 2021, but it is still suspended for FedEx Ground®, FedEx Freight®, FedEx Office®, and a few FedEx Express® services until further notice. 
    SEE MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
     
  • Take care of deliveries to your home with FedEx Delivery Manager.
    REDIRECT YOUR PACKAGE
     
  • Stay informed by signing up for Service Disruption Notifications.

FRANCE

The French government has published a guide of best practices to ensure safe home delivery of parcels during COVID-19. Review: Guide of Best Practices

La Poste / Service Alerts

  • As of 30 March 2020: Service times are adjusted to 3 days a week, and rotating shift arrangements have been put in place. The postman will carry out rounds on a less regular basis than normal. Detailed information is provided in their online Q&A.

Relais Colis  / FAQs / Coronavirus Information / Service Alerts

Information following the latest national reconfinement decisions.

All our services remain open, with the greatest respect for health rules.

More than 95% of our fleet of partner merchants remains active.

For orders already placed on the relays forced to suddenly suspend their activity, please collect your packages by Friday evening. Then, we redirect them to neighboring relays, you will be notified by message and on your follow-up.

Mondial Relay / Home / FAQs

Following the government decisions of 31 March, we inform you that approximately 95% of our Relay Points® remain available in April.

FedEx TNT Service Alerts / Temporary Surcharge / Temporary service suspensions globally

Due to service disruptions, some customers may experience transit time delays. Learn more.

We have never stopped our operations and will continue to move goods to or from affected areas as local conditions and restrictions allow. We, therefore, invite you to use our online tools to check the status of your shipmentobtain a quote or make new reservations.

DHL / Emergency Situation Surcharge / Service Alerts

  • From Europe to the United States
    We have even added additional flights in order to cope with an increase in demand.
     
  • Surcharge for busy periods
    Effective April 6 and until further notice, a temporary surcharge will be applied to all FedEx Express and TNT international parcel and freight shipments to allow us to continue to provide the best possible service to our customers despite these exceptional circumstances. The surcharge does not apply to domestic shipments.  
     
  • Details of our services in France
  • March 14, 2022
    Following the latest government announcements, the delivery of packages, the signature on delivery, and the possible mention of reservations are now done in the normal way. Please also note that wearing a mask is no longer compulsory in our customer reception areas for the deposit or collection of your parcels.

    The health pass is now only required in health or medico-social services and establishments. However, there is an exception for delivery activities, which means that our couriers/drivers will not be subject to them, but that they will of course respect all barrier gestures.
     
  • Money-back guarantee
    Given the global impact of covid-19, local, regional and national authorities in Europe and around the world are forced to impose new work and travel restrictions every day. These measures affect our ability to provide you with our high-quality services. As such, we have made the decision to suspend our Money Back Guarantee for all FedEx Express services, effective immediately and until further notice. A major player in the international supply chain, FedEx is helping to connect the world during this difficult time and intends to continue its activities in strict compliance with government restrictions and regulations.

Since the onset of this global pandemic, DHL teams have been working around the clock, continually adapting and adjusting the operations of our global network to align with new developments, regulatory requirements, and constant changes in capacity and demand. That includes further significant reductions in – or the complete cancelation of – commercial flights in most countries, which has a dramatic impact on air uplift capacity.

As we work to serve the urgent needs of our customers, these factors, among others, have increased our costs beyond sustainable levels, which necessitated an adjustment to the surcharge.

BELGIUM

B Post / Service Alerts / Media

Now that many flights have been canceled, bpost also temporarily suspends the sending of letters and parcels outside of Europe.

FedEx / Service Alerts / Temporary Surcharge
Due to service disruptions, some customers may experience transit time delays. Learn more.

We have been and will continue to operate to and from impacted areas as local conditions and restrictions allow. Please use our online tools to check the status of your shipmentobtain a quote or process new bookings.

  • Europe to USA
    To meet the demand, we have even added extra flights.
     
  • peak surcharge
    To continue to provide the best possible service to our customers during these times, we are implementing a temporary surcharge on all FedEx Express and TNT international parcel and freight shipments from April 6 until further notice. This surcharge does not apply to national shipments.   
     
  • Money-back guarantee
    Given the global impact of covid-19, local, regional and national authorities in Europe and around the world are forced to impose new work and travel restrictions every day. These measures affect our ability to provide you with our high-quality services. As such, we have made the decision to suspend our Money Back Guarantee for all FedEx Express services, effective immediately and until further notice. A major player in the international supply chain, FedEx is helping to connect the world during this difficult time and intends to continue its activities in strict compliance with government restrictions and regulations.

DHL Service Alerts / Emergency Situation Surcharge

UKRAINE SITUATION UPDATE
We are deeply saddened about the situation in Ukraine. As a company that enables trade between countries and peoples across the globe, we strive for a more connected world, with peace and prosperity for everyone.

Currently, our greatest concern and our highest priority is the safety of our employees. We have therefore closed offices and operations in Ukraine until further notice.

>We are closely monitoring the situation and we will keep you updated about any further developments.

SERVICE SUSPENSIONS RUSSIA AND BELARUS
Our inbound services to Russia and Belarus have been suspended, which is why we are also not accepting shipments to those countries until further notice. In addition, DHL has also decided to suspend its domestic operations in those countries until further notice. 

We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with our customers to mitigate the impact on our international and domestic customers. We will keep you updated about any further developments.
 

NETHERLANDS

Post NL / International Service Alerts / Coronavirus Information / Current Information by Destination
Update corona: stay up to date on the latest information and the frequently asked questions on our delivery of your mail and parcels.

In the Netherlands, the coronavirus is now more or less under control. However, many other countries are still facing severe challenges. As a result, strict corona measures remain in place. In many countries, steps have been taken to minimise physical contact when delivering mail and parcels. Recipients in these countries may no longer be required to sign for delivery, for instance. In addition, many countries around the world are taking measures that may affect the processing and delivery of mail and parcels.

Current events

Indonesia
Date of alert: 7 April 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: No delay
Region: Indonesia
Reason for service alert: Due to an IT issue at Pos Indonesia we are currently not able to provide tracking information for parcels to Indonesia.

Peru (PER)
Date of alert: 6 April 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: 4-7 days
Region: Peru
Reason for service alert: Due to a strike we are experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to Peru.

Greece
Date of alert: 31 March 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: No tracking
Region: Greece
Reason for service alert: Update 04-04-2022: The delay has been resolved. But we are currently not able to provide tracking information for the tracked items to Greece. Due to an IT issue, we are experiencing delays in the delivery of all tracked items to Greece. In addition, we are currently not able to provide tracking information for the tracked items to Greece.

Honduras (HND)
Date of alert: 29 March 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: No delivery
Region: Honduras
Reason for service alert: Due to transport issues related to COVID-19 measurements we are currently not able to deliver mail and parcels to Honduras.

Spain – Canary and Balearic Islands (ES)
Date of alert: 29 March 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: 4-7 days
Region: Spain – Canary and Balearic Islands
Reason for service alert: Due to a transport strike in Spain we are experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to the Canary and Balearic Islands. The affected postcodes are 07xxx, 35xxx and 38xxx.

Israel
Date of alert: 23 March 2022
Expected delay: 4-7 days
Region: Israel
Reason for service alert: Due to a reduced number of flights we are currently experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to Israel.

Australia
Date of alert: 3 March 2022
Expected delay: 1-5 days
Region: Australia
Reason for service alert: Due to heavy floods we are experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to Australia. The most affected states are Queensland and New South Wales.

Russia (RUS)
Date of alert: Update 2 March 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: 1-7 days
Region: Russia
Reason for service alert: The route to Russia is restored. Due to the backlog as a result of the previously closed route, we are experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to Russia.

Japan (JP)
Date of alert: 28 February 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: 5-10 days
Region: Japan
Reason for service alert: Due to the sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia it is not possible to fly over Russian airspace. Therefore we are currently experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to Japan.

Ukraine (UA)
Date of alert: Update 2 March 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: 5-21 days
Region: Ukraine
Reason for service alert: The route to Ukraine is restored. Nevertheless, due to the war in Ukraine, we are experiencing delays in the delivery of mail and parcels to Ukraine in certain cities and regions. In particular, access is very limited to the Luhansk region, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Kherson, and Mykolayiv. The situation in Ukraine remains challenging. Many internal links between sorting centres and specific regions are closed, however in unaffected areas local post is still operating. The availability of cities/regions can change over time due to safety considerations.

Kuwait (KWT)
Date of alert: 22 February 2022, ongoing
Expected delay: no delivery
Region: Kuwait
Reason for service alert: Due to the absence of available flights, we are currently not able to deliver mail and parcels to Kuwait.
 

FedEx / Service Alerts / Temporary Surcharge / AlertsDue to service disruptions, some customers may experience transit time delays. Learn more.

We will continue to operate to and from impacted areas as local conditions and restrictions allow. Please use our online tools to check the status of your shipmentobtain a quote, or process new bookings.

  • Europe to USA
    To meet the demand, we have even added extra flights.
     
  • peak surcharge
    To continue to provide the best possible service to our customers during these times, we are implementing a temporary surcharge on all FedEx Express and TNT international parcel and freight shipments from April 6 until further notice. This surcharge does not apply to national shipments.     
     
  • Money-back guarantee
    Given the global impact of covid-19, local, regional and national authorities in Europe and around the world are forced to impose new work and travel restrictions every day. These measures affect our ability to provide you with our high-quality services. As such, we have made the decision to suspend our Money Back Guarantee for all FedEx Express services, effective immediately and until further notice. A major player in the international supply chain, FedEx is helping to connect the world during this difficult time and intends to continue its activities in strict compliance with government restrictions and regulations.

DHL Service Alerts / Emergency Situation Surcharge

UK 

Royal Mail / Coronavirus Updates / Service Changes / International Service Alerts

We’re keeping the UK connected. Despite best efforts, some services may be disrupted. 
Click for Service Updates.

To learn more about the items below for a daily round-up of our operation, visit: Service Update

Movement of mail through our network 
Deliveries today
COVID-19 Test Kits
Service Update Emails
 

IRELAND

An Post Home

Resumption of Services to Ukraine / 14 March 2022
Please note, all mail services to Ukraine have been resumed with immediate effect

We ask that our customers continue to adhere to our sending guidelines, and refer to our list of prohibited and restricted items before sending to this destination.

Our colleagues in Ukraine Post (Ukrposhta) continue to send mail from Ukraine to Ireland. However, there remain considerable delays to any mail from Ukraine to Ireland.

Please note that all mail services to Moldova and Russian Federation remain suspended.

We will continue to update customers on this situation.
 

GERMANY

Deutsche Post / Service Alerts / International Service Alerts / FAQs
We would like to inform you about the current ramifications on shipping and delivery by Deutsche Post DHL as a result of the coronavirus pandemic or other national and international events that may impact transportation processes.

In light of the pandemic, we recommend that you specify a preferred location to allow contactless delivery or address your parcels directly to a Packstation whenever possible at the present time.

The Robert-Koch-Institut provides up-to-date information on the latest developments regarding the coronavirus in Germany.

SWITZERLAND

Swiss Post / Home / Coronavirus / Open Post Offices / Sending and Receiving Items Contactlessly

War in Ukraine
We are currently accepting shipments to Ukraine and Russia. However, there are delays. Courier and express shipments are currently not possible. For details, see: Transit Restrictions

Our employees are showing huge commitment in the current crisis. They are doing their best, ensuring that letters, parcels, and newspapers are delivered to your homes on a daily basis. Our top priority is to fulfill our universal service obligation for Switzerland, even in this exceptional situation. Many of our branches remain open and our online services are also available at all times.

ITALY

POSTE ITALIENE / Home

Poste Italiane, in compliance with the latest government measures, announces that service continues to be guaranteed throughout the national territory, respecting the protection of the health of its workers and all citizens.

Jennifer Terentiuk

Jennifer Terentiuk

Global Content Marketing Manager – Mail Related Solutions

Jennifer Terentiuk is the Global Content Marketing Manager for Mail Related Solutions at Quadient, responsible for development and implementation of global campaigns related to Mail Related Solutions.