Dear Customer,

In following up on our announcement Tuesday on the status of our China operations amid the Coronavirus outbreak, below is most recent information we have available.

The Loch M. management team have formed a special task force to ensure we stay abreast of the situation. Loch M. Fraser is fully committed to complying with any regulatory requirements and policies aimed at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus.

We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our staff while resuming operations, and keeping you informed and maintaining our service commitment to excellence. 

LMF Operations:

As of today:

• Our Wuhan agent in the Hubei Province remained closed.
• Loch M. Frasers 15 other agents in Mainland China offices were open today, with staff onsite and working remote. Ningbo is an exception with staff working remotely using VPN and via email or WeChat.
• In most locations we have extended office hours with staff working flexible shifts, including Saturday for most.
• Hong Kong is fully staffed and operational.

Shipment status is available on our website www.lochm.com.au , for goods sent prior to Chinese New Year.

Below are some examples of our preventive and contingency measures in place to protect our staff, customers and vendors:

• Staff segregation plans have been implemented to minimize the staff concentration in the offices. Work-from-home and flexible working arrangements are in place for all locations.
• All front-line counter staff will wear protective masks and gloves, we also have all staff to wear masks.
• We are encouraging the staff to minimize any face-to-face meetings, opting for web sessions when possible.
• Providing regular disinfection and cleaning in our office

Carriers:

We have been notified that most carriers are not returning to work until February 17th.  The assumption is that the general 'return to work' on February 10th will not result in cargo movement prior to the 17th.  However, due to strong relationships with our carriers, we are able to reach their global and regional teams to ensure we are doing all possible to offer you the very best options and services. 

A challenge that the entire industry is facing, is the introduction of blank sailings, port omissions, potential capacity reductions etc. by the carriers due to the factory closures and low demand. We will continue to provide updates as the information becomes available.

Ports, CFS & Trucking:

All major Ports are open and operational.

Warehouses have opened, most with limited staffing, but operational. 

Trucking has resumed on very limited basis and predominantly only in the major cities.  Most require advanced bookings and have reported extended transit times due to driver shortages.

We will do our utmost to monitor the situation and keep you apprised as it evolves.

We thank you for your business and continued support.