From: Blakeman Transportation Inc.
Re: Fresh and Frozen product
Date: March 18, 2020
Effective Immediately
Blakeman Transportation’s commitment to an OTIF (On Time in Full) MABD (Made appointment by date) has and will not waiver in the shadows of COVID-19. With this being said, many consignees have restricted receiving windows due to the outbreak and have implemented internal practices that are trying to limit exposure, as a result some deliveries are being pushed back due to receiving capabilities and additional restrictions put in place by consignees. To safeguard both Blakeman Transportation and you, our clients, Blakeman Transportation will not be responsible for Fresh product claims that do not make delivery due to consignee restrictions and or policies reflective of COVID-19. Our team will be in contact with all transportation division’s both from the consignor and consignee end outlining options per shipment and direction from the shipper on what needs to be done with the Fresh Product that is refused and/or not accepted due to closures or limited receiving times. As always if a claim is filed and valid, per Blakeman Transportation Inc.’s Terms and Conditions, the claim will be investigated and the appropriate action will ensue. We are seeing a number of facilities close down due to what is going on in their communities as it relates to COVID-19 without notice, thus putting product from the shipper in a vulnerable state as well the drivers with product on trailers. We will work closely with all shippers to avoid any issues that may arise, but in the case that product (especially fresh) is refused due to closures and/or limitations from ship points and/or receivers, Blakeman Transportation will not be responsible for any arising claims.
Shipper Dock Access Restrictions.
The main transmission of COVID-19 is through close interactions between people. As the CDC, Federal,
State and Local Municipalities as well as many others have suggested, “Social Distancing” is imperative to stop the spread. Many warehouses have now limited the carrier’s presence on docks and shipping offices during the outbreak. This includes where Blakeman consolidates and cross docks product across the United States and many of our customer ship from and to facilities. Please be aware that warehouses that do not allow carriers on the dock will be considered “Shipper Load and Count” Facilities and the carrier cannot be held responsible for any OS&D issues that may occur. Blakeman understands that the safety of all personnel is the top priority and the limitation of carriers on the docks are for the safety of everyone involved. No claims will be accepted for OS&D issues at SLC facilities.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding regarding the matters addressed above. During this Health and National Emergency, we will all have to go the extra mile to insure everyone’s wellbeing as well to limit the spread of COVID-19. (Stay Safe and Healthy)
Matt Moore