At the beginning of 2020, no one could really have imagined that the coronavirus would have such a serious impact on Europe and Germany in particular. The economy is now looking back on a first quarter full of restrictions. In this article we would like to focus in particular on the changes and prospects within logistics chains.

Despite all the uncertainties that have been created in recent weeks, especially by the relevant media, the German population has become familiar with the federal government's regulations and is complying with them. Apparently a kind of understanding and caution regarding the virus has become part of many people's everyday lives, even if many hurdles had to be organized and overcome first. In particular, the contact ban and school closings are temporary restrictions that have never existed in this form before in Germany. Nevertheless, initial assumptions give reason to hope that for the first time the epidemic will not spread as quickly as it did before.

What does this currently mean specifically for logistics?

Through the so-called “hamster purchases,” people suddenly developed a sense of how important a functioning logistics chain is. The disproportionately above-average demand for toilet paper and disinfectants, for example, has presented manufacturers and logisticians with challenges that now need to be overcome. Most borders are currently closed to civilian travelers in order to further reduce the spread of pathogens. But: Flows of goods are not affected by this, even if deliveries can take considerably longer due to the controls. Experts therefore repeatedly emphasize that there will be no serious shortages in basic services. On the other hand, the entire logistics obviously bears a special responsibility in the spread of the virus, because the driver personnel who move through Europe by road and rail could of course also spread pathogens. It is therefore important to us that all of our drivers take special hygiene measures to do their own part in containment. The most important finding, however, is and remains that the supply chains continue to run stably.

Can individual regulations within the EU disrupt logistics?

Due to the uncertainty currently prevailing everywhere regarding further decisions by individual countries, it is virtually impossible to predict whether the borders could also be closed to goods deliveries in the future. Freight transport in Europe has so far been largely exempt from the restrictions. In some countries, the weekend driving ban for trucks will even be lifted in order to ensure a constant supply of supplies to the population. A temporary relaxation of driving and rest times for drivers is also being considered in many countries. These decisions show how important the logistics chain, which otherwise moves in the background, is. This ensures the supply of all essential things.

Check the boundaries via live image!

In 2020, digitalization will make it easier than ever for us to see what is happening in the world. For example, the software provider Sixfold can answer what things currently look like at the borders. He has created a freely accessible map that provides information about waiting times at European borders in real time. . However, please note that the information provided there is not maintained by OCS Spedition and we therefore cannot accept any liability.

Recommendations to protect the health of everyone involved in the supply chain

Particularly in logistics, where many employees cannot simply stay at home or even work from home, special measures to maintain hygiene standards come into play. As a freight forwarder, we see it as our duty and responsibility to make a contribution to overcoming the crisis. The protection and health of our employees, customers, business partners and drivers are our top priority at OCS. The delivery and collection of goods by vehicles and drivers from recipients, senders and warehouses is currently a process that should be well organized in order to exclude the risk of infection as much as possible. If necessary, you will be happy to receive the form “Covid-19: Recommendations for accepting and handing over goods” from us. Please contact us if you are interested.

Keep an eye on the positive development!

Despite all the shocking news of the last week, we as humans should, above all, shift our focus back towards positive reports. In February we reported in a blog post about the effects of the coronavirus, which until then had focused on China and Asia. The media and press offices there are now reporting that all of the sick people have almost completely recovered and that the Chinese economy is restarting. In Germany too, people have moved together differently and are concentrating on functioning, considerate cooperation. That's why we at OCS Spedition are very happy that there are bright spots that give us hope. Together we are strong and will overcome the crisis.

So stay hopeful and above all healthy! Pay a little attention to yourself without constantly looking at bad news - remember to stay healthy! We are of course available to answer any questions you may have about logistics and the coronavirus at any time.