Livingston diverting air freight to other modes; customers should expect delays

Livingston International is advising companies shipping goods into the United States to expect major delays, because terrorist attacks have prompted U.S. Customs to go on ‘red alert’. They are opening all cars, trucks and other vehicles, inspecting every person and shipment crossing the border.

“We are doing everything we can to keep our 16,000 clients’ goods moving. But we must recognize the fact that everyone is affected by this tragic situation,” said Livingston CEO Peter Luit.

Livingston says staff started attempting to divert aircraft-bound shipments to other modes of transportation. Shipments already loaded on aircraft in the U.S. will remain there, grounded, until further notice.

“Although some goods are trickling into the U.S. from Canada at some border crossings, the open southbound lanes of traffic have been limited, also contributing to major delays,” said Larry Hahn, Livingston’s director of regulatory affairs.
contact with government officials to stay up to date on developments that are
affecting companies shipping goods across the Canada-U.S. border, the busiest
trade lane in the world.

Livingston is also informing clients to expect significant delays in the release of goods through international airports and all other ports in Canada. Customs inspectors from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) are examining all shipments arriving through Pearson International Airport in Toronto and Dorval International Airport in Montreal, resulting in delayed releases.

As of yesterday, only courier shipments were being released and no new freight was being accepted at airports.

At Canadian airports receiving international flights, goods from overseas were being inspected at the first point of arrival, which means U.S.-bound shipments were being inspected at the Canadian airports where they arrive.