March 24, 2020 – Please make plans and consider this update on Ocean Port Schedule change as it will impact shipments at the Mexican Ocean Ports in relation to COVID-19 and local measures to comply with health and institution recommendations.
In order to serve our customers, and protect the health of our employees, Buckland offices at the US Southern Border and Mexico will continue to support operations from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm CST, Monday through Friday. Saturdays upon overtime request before Friday at 11:00 am, and with a confirmation approval from Mexican Customs Authorities and Terminal ports. Otherwise, operations will resume following weekday (Mondays at 8:00 am).
We encourage all Importers of Record to make plans accordingly and support all initiatives to make efficient Customs and Dispatch processes as smooth as possible during these challenging times. This is especially relevant at the busiest port of Altamira, Tamps; Veracruz, Ver; Manzanillo, Col. and Lazaro Cardenas, Mich.
Forwarders and Shipping line offices may have additional schedule hours and information relating to their operations, please contact them directly to plan accordingly and take precautions.
MEXICO
Manzanillo Ocean Port
Terminal Ports are working at half-capacity at offices during regular business hours from 9:00 to 5:00 hrs CST. Terminal ports administrative office staff are working remotely which might result in delays in processing orders and appointments for customs clearance maneuvers and coordination with Freight and Mexican Customs Brokerages.
Some services are being streamlined to specific hours of operations:
The CMA-CGM schedule to present payments (demurrage, safety deposit bond, reimbursements of SDB, revalidation, empty maneuvers, freight and other costs) at the front desk will be Monday to Friday 9:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs local time.
Shipping line companies such as Wan Hai Lines Ltd., COSCO, MAERSK, and Hamburg SUD are taking additional measures. We suggest that you reach out to them directly to review your shipments and any potential impacts.
Veracruz Ocean Port
Veracruz Terminal Port is working close with MX Brokers, Forwarders, Seafreight companies and Freight companies to minimize exposure personnel during the shipment dispatch process. For safety reasons, hours of operation will remain as 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Buckland offices, Monday to Friday, starting March 25, 2020.
Terminal ports administrative office staff are working remotely which might result in delays in processing orders and appointments for customs clearance maneuvers and coordination with Freight and Mexican Customs Brokerages.
For more information please contact your Buckland Customer Service Representative and cc. MXOceanBGTS@buckland.com.