General Guidlines
Updated 25/03/20
During this time may we request please our Clients contact our end customers to seek guidance they will be able to receive orders placed.
Our carrier partners also report a change to POD activity.
Our customers are understandably shy of handling driver paperwork or signing PDA’s. Instead our customers are asking drivers to complete the POD themselves using the receiving party’s name, date and time of delivery. This solution is outside of our Carrier Partners’ remit and therefore any liability arising is excluded.
In addition, requests to obtain PODs during this time will become increasingly difficult to fulfil
Our distribution update by country follows:-
Updated on 25/03/20
As of 15 of March 2020, all Albanian terrestrial borders will be closed for any passenger’s transport.
Goods transport will be allowed, subject to medical checks to drivers,
Please note that the border crossing Blato and Shepchishte-Trebishte (Debar) is already completely closed for any kind of traffic.
Source: ANALTIR
Updated on 25/03/20
Austria has reintroduced temporary border control at the borders with Italy. The temperature of drivers and their activities of the last days are systematically checked (measure valid for the next 10 days).
Austria is also ceasing rail transport activities coming from Italy (valid until April 3rd). This measure does not apply to freight transport.
Updated on 13/03/20
Throughout Austria, the weekend traffic ban for heavy goods vehicles above 7.5 tonnes will be suspended until 3 April 2020 with immediate effect. This measure has been discussed and coordinated with Italy and Bavaria in order to avoid border waiting times to the best possible extent.
Updated on 25/03/20
Good transport operations between Azerbaijan and Iran is now normal. Accompanied road transport (complete truck combinations with driver) are allowed to cross the border.
Passenger transport is still restricted
Source: IRU Istanbul office
Updated on 25/03/20
All foreign and Belarusian citizens entering the territory of the Republic of Belarus through border crossing points are subject to a continuous primary sanitary and epidemiological control.
People arriving from countries with unfavourable epidemical situation (currently it is from China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Japan) must be tested (the test result is available in 12 hours). In case of symptoms of a respiratory illness (fever over 37.1 0 C, coughing and others), people arriving from these countries are isolated and hospitalized.
There are currently no restrictions on the movement of vehicles, goods and passengers across the borders of the Republic of Belarus (except for the sanitary checks and the filling on an arrival form).
Hotline telephone number of the Republican Centre for Hygiene Of Epidemiology and Public Health: +375 (29) 156-85-65 (working days from 8:30 to 13:00 and from 13:30 to 18:00.
Source: BAMAP (from the Ministry of Health and the State Border Committee of Belarus)
Updated on 25/03/20
The Belgian government took additional measures on March 12th introducing social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Measures are valid until April 3Ri- The objective is to limit public gathering. As far as public transport is concern, services function normally, but it is asked to limit journeys.
These measures have no consequences for international freight transport and drivers.
Minister of transport announced a temporary and complete tolerance concerning the enforcement of driving and resting times for drivers involved in the transportation of food. medication and other life essential goods to shops and pharmacies. This measure has been taken on the basis of article 14.2 of the EU Regulation 561/2006 and applies from 1403’2020 at 00:01 for a period of 5 days until 1803002 at 23:59. More detailed information is available here. Source: FEBETRA
Updated on 25/03/20
The Bulgarian authorities have introduced a “State of emergency” in the country’ on March f 3m The preventive measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVD-19) do not include any restriction of international road transport of passengers and goods yet.
Source: AEBTRI
Updated on 25/03/20
The epidemics situation is stabilising in China, but the Government is maintaining stringent measures to avoid abrupt rebound.
Overview of the situation at land borders:
Freight operations at borders between China and Russia and between China and Mongolia are possible.
In Kazakhstan and Russia, drivers are put in quarantined if returning from China.
Source: China Customs, TASS information agency, IRU Beijing Office
Updated on 25/03/20
The Republic of Croatia has taken new measures on March 13th to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Foreign nationals coming for countries identified as particularly at risk will be put in a compulsory 14-day quarantine or will be required to get into a 14-day self-imposed isolation.
Special restrictions apply for transport operations: all foreign drivers coming from Italy, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrein, Iran, Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and the Bela Krajina region (Slovenia), except for drivers in transit, will be put in a compulsory 14-day quarantine in Croatia.
Foreign drivers are warned at borders that they can turn back to avoid the quarantine. Long waiting times are currently observed at borders. There are partial Serbia-Croatia border closures (see Serbia).
Sources: National Minister of Foreign Affairs and Association of Croatian Road Carriers
Updated on 25/03/20
The Government has announced a “state of emergency” with a set of bans and limitations, including (as of 14/03 0:00h):
Note that the Ministry Of Transport, Czech Republic, has granted a general exemption from the driving restrictions on motorways and class I roads in the Czech Republic for trucks and combination vehicles with an MPW of over 7.5 tons and trucks and special vehicles with trailers, if an MPW Of the motor vehicle exceeds 3.5 tons.
The exemption is valid from 15:00 on 13 March 2020 for the time the state of emergency is in force, but not longer than one year.
Source: CESMAD BOHEMIA
Updated on 25/03/20
The Danish government has indicated on Friday 13th (evening) that the Danish borders will be closed for entry into Denmark unless a reasonable purpose can be demonstrated (note that tourism is not deemed legitimate). The new measure will be enforced from 14/3 at 12.00 and is in force up to and including April 13th.
Transport of goods will still be possible. All channels of freight transport by road, sea, rail and rail will be kept open without any other control than the normal customs/passport controls on random basis. However, international freight transport (including transit) by road should be operated through the following border crossing points: Frøslev, Sæd or Kruså. Please note that Kruså border crossing point is not accessible for vehicles above 3.5 tonnes. It is recommended for trucks to use Frøslev (E45) border crossing point. Border crossing at Padborg, as well as Other smaller border crossing are closed. Freight operations can also be operated through the “blue border” (Øresundbridge and ferries).
The Government is also taking additional measures to ease freight transport. These measures include the introduction of temporary exemptions on driving and restring times rules to ensure delivery of food and grocery supplies.
Sources: ITD and DTI_
March 25, 2020
As from March 17th12:00 and for 15 days, new measures are entering into forces to limit activities and public gatherings in order to limit the effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. A national lockdown has been declared. People are allowed out only for emergencies, to buy food or for work.
Only Schengen area borders are being closed for the next 30 days (external borders of the European Union). More detailed information should be announced in the coming hours.
Source: French Government
FNTR the French association have confirmed that freight transport is exempt from restrictions
Updated on 15/03/20
The French government took additional measures on March 14th (“stage 3”) to limit the effects of the Coronavirus (CVlD-19) epidemic. Strict measures are limiting activities and public gatherings as much as possible (including the shutdown of all non-essential public spaces).
Public transport will continue to run, however, it is recommended to limit journeys, especially inter-urbans. Public transport operators will gradually adapt their transport activities to align with this measure.
International freight transport is not affected by these measures.
Source: French Government
Updated on 25/03/20
As Of March 16th, 8:00, Germany is re-introducing temporary border controls at the borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg and Denmark.
Cross-border transport of goods and traffic by cross-border commuters will still be possible. However, travellers will be prohibited from entering / leaving via the above-mentioned borders in the absence of a valid reason for their journey. This will also apply to persons displaying clinical symptoms. Occupational commuters are asked to carry relevant proof showing the necessity of their border-crossing. Controls will be implemented by the Federal police force.
Updated on 3/03/20
The Federal Government of Germany has asked the Länder to suspend the weekend traffic bans of truck movements to ease the situation during the crisis. The States of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony and Lower Saxony have announced the suspension of the weekend traffic bans for trucks transporting hygiene and food products with a long shelf life.
Sources: BGL (from Federal Government and German Minister of Internal Affairs
Updated on 25/03/20
Georgian authorities are prohibiting people who have travelled to Iran, South Korea, China, Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Austria within the last 28 days to enter the Georgian national territory.
Source: IRLJ Istanbul Office
Updated on 25/0320
The Greek government has announced on March 15th the introduction of new extraordinary measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Passenger transport:
Greece has decided to close its borders with Albania and North Macedonia, Stop flights to and from Spain and end passenger ship service to/from Italy. Note that Greek citizens and permanent residents will still be allowed to cross from Albania and north Macedonia),
Goods transport:
Goods Transport is exempted from these measures,
Source: OFAE
Updated on 25/03/20
Hungary has declared a “state of emergency” on March 12th. This special legal order is having the following consequences on transport activities:
In a press conference, the Minister of Prime Minister’s Office said that “for the time being transportation of goods is not affected by these measures”. However, mandatory transit routes have been fixed by the Hungarian Police on March 13th (see map).
Throughout Hungary, a general exemption was granted on the driving restrictions for trucks and combination of vehicles with a MPW of more than 7.5t, This exemption is valid until revoked.
Source: MKFE
Updated on 25/03/20
TO reduce the risk of infection the ferry company Seatruck Ferries temporarily stop shipping any HGV drivers or any other passenger in their Irish Sea vessels. Accompanied road transport (complete truck combinations with driver) is then stopped until further notice, but the company will continue to carry unaccompanied semi-trailers, containers and swap bodies.
Source: IRHA (from Seatruck Ferries)
Updated on 25/03/20
In a press conference convened on March 11th, the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced a new quarantine policy, including strict measures to limit activities and public gatherings as much as possible. The new measures will last for two weeks.
Public transport will continue to run. Road freight transport is not affected by the measures but health checks at borders are reported and drivers have to fill a certificate in some cases,
The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport signed a decree suspending usual traffic bans for HGVs with a maximum total mass exceeding 7, 5 tons, on extra-urban roads, on the days of 15 and 22 March 2020. Note that for vehicles performing international transport, the suspension of traffic restrictions is to be understood until further notice. The text of the decree is available.
Italy has Officially requested that Austria reinstate normal border procedures for freight transport at the Brenner border, on the grounds that there are no health/sanitary needs that justify restrictions to the movement of goods. Important congestion at the border is being reported.
Sources: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and FIAP
Updated on 25/03/20
The Kingdom of Jordan has taken measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID19). Between the set of measures, it has been announced that:airlines are closing frights from and to Jordan as of March 17th, land borders with the West Bank, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are closed for passenger’s transport. Goods are allowed to pass.
Source: RACJ
Updated on 26/03/20
The Cabinet of Ministers published a decision stating that, with effect from March 17th, no passenger transport will be allowed through airports, ports, by bus and by rail (excluding carriage of passengers by official aircraft and military transport). The Ministry of Transport can make exceptions for some international passenger services based on a case-by-case basis.
No restrictions apply to the carriage of goods.
source: LATVIJAS AUTO
Updated on 25/03/20
Coming into effect on March 16th, 00:00, the Lithuania government has announced a two-week nationwide quarantine (third level of the national plan).
Lithuania reintroduced control of its borders with Poland and Latvia On March Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter the country by any means of transport, unless they work and permanently live in Lithuania (a temporary corridor will be left for Latvian and Estonian citizens to reach their countries).
Good transport is still allowed. However. foreigners are banned to arrive in the country, unless they are ensuring necessary deliveries of goods to Lithuania. The number of border checkpoints to enter Lithuania is reduced to the ones in the following list: Kalvarija-Budzisko, Saloéiai-Grenstalé, Butinge-Rucava, Sandy-Medume, Medininkai-Kamenyi Logo, RaigardasPrivalka, Kybartai-ChernSevskoye, Panemuné-Sovetsko, Vilnius, Kaunas, Kaunas, airports and Klaipeda seaport.
The number of local passengers on intercity buses and trains is restricted to maintain the necessary distances between passengers.
Source: LINAVA
Malta
March 25, 2020
The Maltese Government has just announced that from tomorrow, March 17th, quarantine will be obligatory also for drivers arriving with their trucks in Malta. Hence, to avoid quarantine, transport companies should ship the trailer / container unaccompanied.
Source:ATTO
Updated on 25/03/20
The Customs Authority of the Republic of North Macedonia published on March 14th an update on border crossings status:
In addition, St. Apostle Paul Airport in Ohrid is closed and all flights from Istanbul to Skopje with Pegasus Airlines have been cancelled between 22.03.2020 and 02.04.2020.
Source: AMERIT
Updated on 25/03/20
Everyone entering Norway by ferry, air, bus or private car, from countries other than Sweden and Finland, will be put in a compulsory 14-day quarantine (even if they are not experiencing any symptom of COVID-19). Tourists not willing to comply with this measure will have to return immediately.
International road freight is exempted. However, the exception does not apply to drivers and personnel employed by Norwegian companies, who have stayed in countries outside the Nordic countries for a period before returning to Norway (many companies work with foreign drivers working on tums).
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is also granting, from March 13th and for 30 days, temporary exemptions on driving and resting time rules for freight operations involved in the transportation of food, medication and other life essential goods to shops and pharmacies. Measures lifted are the ones in articles 6 and 8 of the EU Regulation No. 561 /2006, but not the ones in article 7. Source: NLF
Updated on 25/03/20,
The Ministry of Interior of Pakistan announced the complete sealing of the western border of the country with Afghanistan and Iran in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). This measure is taken for an initial period Of 14 days with effect from 16th March 2020.
Source: PNC-ICC
Updated on 25/03/20
On March 13th, the Prime Minister of Poland announced a “state of emergency”. In addition to measures to limit public gatherings, the government announced that border control are temporarily restored from March 15th (00:00) for 10 days (renewable). During this period:
Source: ZMPD
March 25, 2020
The Council of Ministers approved on March 16th a set of measures to respond to the epidemiological situation of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As from March 16th 23:00 and until April 15th 12:00, Portugal is re-introducing border controls. The measure can be reassessed every 10 days.
Road traffic at internal land borders is stopped. International freight transport, cross-border commuters and emergency vehicles are exempted from this restriction. However, only major border crossings with Spain will remain open: Quintanilha, Tui, Vilar Formoso, Elvas, Castro Marim, Vila Verde de Raia (Chaves), Monfortinho (Castelo Branco), Marvão (Portalegre) and Vila Verde de Ficalho (Beja).
Source: ANTRAM
Updated on 15/03/20
The Portuguese authorities have introduced a “State of alert” in the country on March 13th in order to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVD-19). Measures are valid until April 9th. Strict measures are limiting activities and public gatherings as much as possible (including the reduction of activity of non-essential public spaces). Air traffic from Italy and China is also temporarily stopped.
For now, these measures do not impact international road freight transport. However, drivers have to take into account the individual and collective protection measures and keep a safe distance.
Source: ANTRAM
Updated 25/03/20
The Romanian Minister of Internal Affairs announced that as of 12:00 on Friday 13 March 2020, several secondary border crossing points will be closed as part of a government strategy to fight the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The following border crossing points have been closed:
Border crossing points with Moldova: Rädäuti Prut and Oancea
On Thursday 12 March 2020, the Serbian authorities closed, unilaterally, the following border crossing points with Romania: Portile de Fier 2, Moldova Nouä, Foieni, Lunga, Välcani, Drobeta Turnu Severin and Naidås.
Source: UNTRR
Updated on 25/03/20
In order to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) into the territory of the Republic of Serbia, the Government has published a decree on March 11th. The decree temporarily bans the entry of people coming from areas with intensive transmission of the disease (epidemics hotbeds): Hubei Province in the People’s Republic of China, the town Daegu and Province North Gyeongsang in the Republic of Korea, the Canton Ticino in the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of Italy and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This measure shall not apply for transport of goods and persons who been Granted the approval to enter the Republic of Serbia by the Ministry of Health. In addition, this measure shall not apply to truck drivers operating international road freight transport. Transit operations through the country should not extend 12 hours from the moment the truck entered the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
Please note that 44 borders are now temporarily closed (list berg) and that international road freight operations should be redirected to the open borders.
Updated 25/03/20
Slovenia is blocking foreign trucks over 3.5t that need to transit the country. The only trucks allowed to cross the border are those having to unload goods in Slovenia (final destination), or if trucks are loaded with postage, medicine equipment or pharmaceutical products and humanitarian help.
Slovenian-Italian borders are also closed for passenger transport by train, and international occasional and regular bus services.
On March 14th, authorities of Slovenia and neighbouring countries agreed to create convoys of passengers and freight vehicles to solve the issue of long queue of vehicles being blocked at the borders. First convoys took place on Saturday and others are planned to take place to let buses with foreign nationals and trucks get back to their countries of origin. A political agreement has been found with the authorities of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine (available information)
Within the country, transport of goods is allowed for: mail service, medical supplies, and philanthropic assistance.
Sources: GIZ Intertransport and Government of Slovenia
Updated on 25/03/20
An emergency plan entered into force on March 13th at 7:00AM. This plan from the Ministry of Interior states that:
According to the additional clarification received by IRIJ’s Member Association in Slovakia, CESMAD-Slovakia, all international drivers involved in international road freight transport are allowed to carry out their operations.
Please find here the whole text of the decision, including details regarding drivers’ protection equipment and protective measures.
Source: CESMAD Slovakia
March 25, 2020
In addition to previous measures taken, the Spanish government announced that, as from March 17th 00:00, borders are closed for movement of persons. Are exempted Spanish citizens, Spanish residents, cross-border commuters and anyone justifying a case of Force majeure.
As already stated, freight transport remain exempted to guarantee economic activity and supply chain.
Source: ASTIC
Updated on 15/03/20
From March 15th (midnight) and for 15 days, the Spanish government declared a national lockdown. People are allowed out only for emergencies, to buy food or for work.
National transportation is substantially reduced for passenger transport, but freight transport is not affected by the measures. International freight transport is also guaranteed, but transport of life essential goods could be prioritised. Source: CETM updated on 14/03/20
The following truck restrictions are being lifted in Spain from 14/03 to 28/03, with the possibility to extend the deadline if needed:
Abnormal vehicles, which follow restrictions imposed on ADR vehicles and >7.5t vehicles
The Government is also taking additional measures to ease freight transport. The Government published on the Official Bulletin (published on March 14th, applicable from March 10th) measures introducing temporary exemptions on driving and restring times rules for freight operations that have passed through risks areas within the Spanish territory. Measures lifted are the ones in articles 6 to 9 of the EU Regulation No. 561/2006.
Sources: Ministry of Interior — DGT (link berg), Generalitat de Catalunya, ASTIC
March 25, 2020
The Sweden government has taken measures introducing social distancing to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Freight transport activities within, to and from Sweden are not impacted by these measures.
As of March 16th, the Swedish Transport Agency is granting a temporary tolerance concerning the enforcement of driving and resting times rules for freight operations according to EU Regulation No. 561/2006. Exemptions in Sweden apply to daily rest time (minimum 9 hours), weekly rest time (minimum 24 hours) and driving time as long as breaks are taken after a maximum of 4,5 hours driving time.
Exemptions are valid for 30 days and are valid for all types of transports (i.e. goods, bus and coach), provided that road safety is not affected [be impaired] when transport companies make use of these exemptions.
Sources: SA and Stoneridge Electronics
March 25, 2020
New measures limiting activities and public gatherings are entering into forces to limit the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. People are allowed out only for emergencies, to buy food or for work. These measures will apply until April 19th.
From March 17th 00:00, entry on the Swiss territory from Italy, France, Germany, and Austria is limited to Swiss citizens, Swiss residents and people entering for professional reasons. International freight transport and transit is still allowed.
Source: Swiss Federal Council
Updated on 14/03/20
To limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Swiss Federal Council took additional measures on March 13th. In addition to measures limiting public gatherings, the Federal Administration is reintroducing controls at all its national borders on a case by case basis.
is limited to Swiss citizens, Swiss residents and people entering for professional reasons. International freight transport and transit is still allowed. Based on the evolution of the situation, this measure could be extended to Other borders by the Federal Council.
As far as public transport is concern, services are functioning, but it is asked to limit journeys.
Source: Swiss Federal Council
Updated on 13/03/20
Health checks have been introduced at the border crossing with Bulgaria.
Source: Turkish Customs Administration
March 25, 2020
All border gates have been closed to passengers who have stayed in the following countries: Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, China, Iran, Iraq, and South Korea.
Truck drivers (except Turkish drivers) who come from the listed countries will be put in quarantine for 14 days at border gate and will not be allowed by Turkish authorities to enter Turkey during the quarantine period.
As of March 15th, Sarp / Sarpi border between Turkey and Georgia is closed for passenger transport. No restriction is imposed on freight transport, while passengers are redirected to other land borders gates between both countries.
Source: Ministry of Interior – Republic of Turkey
Updated on 25/03/20
The National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, announced on March 13th that the country will close its borders for foreigners (effective 15 March) for 14 days, with prolongation if necessary.
Border crossing points will remain open for freight transport (including transit). Temperature of drivers will be checked, and they will be asked to wear masks, medical gloves, and have antiseptic gel for hands sanitation.
Source: ASMAP UA
Updated on 25/03/20
The UK Government has not restricted movements of freight and passenger transport so far (into or out of any part of the UK).
Some tourist attractions may be closed, but this is on the initiative of their management, not by Government instruction (except larger concerts and theatres in Scotland).
British schools have been advised to cancel educational trips abroad.
Sources: CPT and 1.1K Government