Dear Customer / Vendor –
We just wanted to reach out to you during these difficult times, as we have all been dealing with the recent challenges associated with COVID-19. We all have to be ready to react and change given the reality is that we are dealing with a fluid situation. We have deep admiration for the many people within the transportation realm focused on keeping goods flowing to our communities through this pandemic.
Both steamship lines intend to continue regular schedule between the US Mainland and Hawaii. Furthermore, Matson as an example specifically addressed the six Northern California counties who have established a “Shelter In Place” order for the next three weeks in response to COVID-19. (This order directs individuals to remain in their place of residence from March 17 through April 07, 2020 unless they go out for an essential purpose.) Matson wanted to assure the customer community that the shippers or their truckers who deliver goods to, or pick up goods from, the Port of Oakland are permitted to leave their homes to perform these critical functions. In fact, the county orders “strongly encourage” Essential Businesses to remain open.
Both steamship lines are considered “Essential Businesses” supporting the country’s supply chain infrastructure, and employees are allowed to travel between home and work to perform the work required to maintain these businesses. Further, businesses that supply to other Essential Businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate are considered essential. Aloha Freight Forwarders and the transportation partners we work with are Essential Businesses. We are committed to doing our part to bring goods to the Hawaii market with speed and transparency.
In an effort to protect our employees, we have temporarily cancelled business related travel. Many of our team members have been set up with remote work stations in their homes to encourage social distancing. In our terminals, we are taking extra precautions to sanitize surfaces often, temperature screen all incoming and outgoing personnel, encourage social distancing, and require mandatory hand-washing when entering and exiting the facilities. Any employee that has any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 is required to stay home.
Again, the health of you and everyone in our community is most important. Stay safe and, as always, thank you for your support. Our thoughts are with all those affected by Coronavirus.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Seiji Aspengren
CEO
