Non Express Service

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Service Bulletins

Notices and other information that is useful to know when using our courier, logistics, freight, mail and other services.

If you require further information please contact Customer Services as follows:

By email to cs@crossflight.com
By Telephone 01753 776060

The Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan

11^th August 2010

The Holy month started on the 11^th August and ends on the 9^th September. Please note there are reduced working hours during Ramadan.

For the latest status of your consignment please check our online tracking.

London Heathrow Airport - Warehouse Fire

9^th July 2010

Due to a serious fire incident around the airport perimeter many roads have been closed and access has been severely restricted.

British Airways cargo facility and the CFL building where all Heathrow courier material is lodged is currently closed which may result in delays to our export flights.

We are looking to utilise all possible routes and options in order to move our material but please be advised of potential delays.

For the latest status of your consignment please enter your tracking reference / consignment number via our Shipment Tracking - see right.

China: Notice of New Regulation for Import and Export of Samples and Advertising Materials

1^st July 2010

General Administration of China Customs: Regulation No.33 effective July 1, 2010

A new regulation (No.33) has been released by the General Administration of China Customs. The objective is to further monitor import and export samples and advertising materials. This takes effect July 1, 2010.

Please be advised the customs clearance process for any non document item may take longer than usual due to checks now in place to ensure compliance with this new regulation.

For further information or to check the latest status of your consignment please contact the Crossflight Customer Services department.

Major UK Airports are Open

17^th May 2010

The CAA has lifted the no-fly zone that has been affecting flights at Heathrow and Gatwick this morning. The decision comes following further information from the Met Office about the nature and location of the ash cloud.

The no-fly zone remains in place in two key areas affecting operations in Northern Ireland and the Shetland Isles. Airports falling within the No Fly Zones include: Belfast City, Londonderry, Shetland and Orkney. All other airports are open.

The latest status for your consignment is available on-line by entering your tracking number via our website or by contacting our customer services department.

Delays to Northern Ireland and Eire

5^th May 2010

Due to closures of the airports in Northern Ireland (see www.caa.co.uk) and Eire (see www.iaa.ie shipments to Northern Ireland and Eire may be delayed.

Most Flight Schedules Operating Normally

23^rd April 2010

Following the reopening of airspace late on the 20^th of April most flight schedules are operating normally. Some delays are expected as the back log of shipments are processed.

NATS reports that approximately 80% of flights flew yesterday and expect that approximately 90% of flights will fly today.

UK and European Airports and Airspace Reopens

21^th April 2010

Following this update from the CAA regarding the levels of volcanic ash in which it is safe for airlines to operate UK and European airports and airspace have been reopened.

Some delays are still expected as airlines seek to re-position their aircraft and air-crews and futher eruptions cannot be ruled out.

The lastest NATS update reads:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Wednesday April 21, 1845

Today, NATS has handled over 2600 movements in UK airspace up to 1800 local time – approximately 80 per cent of normal traffic levels. We are expecting a volume of traffic approaching 90 per cent from approximately 0700 tomorrow morning and are staffed appropriately to deal with this.

The latest guidance from the CAA shows the predicted location of dense volcanic ash in UK airspace over the far north of Scotland for the period 1900 on 21 April to 0100 on 22 April.

Airspace at 20,000 ft or below over the Orkneys, the Shetland Islands and north of Aberdeen will not be available and airports north of Inverness will also be affected (Stornaway, Kirkwall, Wick and Sumburgh). High level Oceanic traffic flying over this area is not expected to be affected.

Unless there is any significant change to our operations, we will not be issuing any further updates.

Delays after partial Closure of UK Airspace

20^th April 2010

A cloud of volcanic ash from an Icelandic volcano continues to cover parts of the UK and of Europe.

For safety reasons the UK National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has closed part of UK airspace while the cloud crosses over. Similar airspace closures or restrictions are in place across most of Europe.

This continues to cause considerable delay to many flights as they are delayed and rescheduled.

Please note that our collection operations for all services including courier, freight, mail and logistics will remain unaffected.

The lastest NATS update reads:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Tuesday April 20, 2300

NATS welcomes new CAA guidance and reopens airspace

We are delighted to report that most restrictions on UK airspace began to be lifted at 2134 (local time) this evening, following new guidance from the UK’s safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority on restrictions to UK airspace as a result of the volcanic eruption.

Air traffic control services have resumed in the UK with the exception of an area over the north west of Scotland which continues to be affected by a dense concentration of volcanic ash. Based on current information this situation is not expected to change overnight. The situation continues to be dynamic as a result of changing weather conditions and the prediction of dense areas of volcanic ash. NATS will continue to monitor the latest Met Office and VAAC information and the CAA’s updates on the availability of UK airspace.

This brings to an end a period of disruption and uncertainty for air passengers. Our operation is fully staffed and already responding to the backlog of flights entering UK airspace. We will be working with the airlines and airports to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

Due to the scale of the disruption, it will take some time for flights to resume normal operations and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information about flights.

There are no further operational changes expected overnight and on this basis our next update will be at 0900 (local time) on 21 April.

The latest status information can be found on the NATS web site.

Previous NATS updates are also available on the NATS web site.

19^th April 2010

The lastest NATS update reads:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Monday April 19, 2200

Since our last statement at 1530 today, the volcano eruption in Iceland has strengthened and a new ash cloud is spreading south and east towards the UK. This demonstrates the dynamic and rapidly changing conditions in which we are working.

Latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation is worsening in some areas. Based on this information, the situation for Northern Irish airports for the morning is uncertain, due to the new ash cloud. The latest information shows that Scottish airports should be available from 0700 and more airspace over England may become available from 1300 although not as far south as the main London airports.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and the situation is likely to change overnight. We will make a further statement at approximately 0300 (local time), tomorrow, Tuesday 20 April and again at 0900 (local time).

NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace.

We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.

18^th April 2010

The lastest NATS update reads:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Sunday April 18, 2100

Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the current restrictions across UK controlled airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain in place until at least 1900 (local time) on Monday 19 April.

There may currently be some limited opportunities in Shetland for flights, subject to individual co-ordination with ATC. However, anyone hoping to travel should contact their airline before travelling to the airport.

Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic. NATS is maintaining close dialogue with the Met Office and with the UK's safety regulator, the CAA, in respect of the international civil aviation policy we follow in applying restrictions to use of airspace. We are currently awaiting CAA guidance.

We are working closely with Government, airports and airlines, and airframe and aero engine manufacturers to get a better understanding of the effects of the ash cloud and to seek solutions.

The next update will be issued at approximately 0300 (local time).

17^th April 2010

The lastest NATS update reads:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Saturday April 17, 2045

The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is moving around and changing shape. Based on the latest information from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 1300 (UK time) tomorrow, Sunday 18 April.

We will continue to monitor Met Office information and review our arrangements in line with that. We will advise further arrangements at approximately 0300 (UK time), Sunday 18 April.

16^th April 2010

The lastest NATS update reads:

Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Friday April 16, 2045

The volcanic ash cloud continues to affect UK airspace. Following the latest update from the Met Office, NATS advises that the restrictions currently in place across UK controlled airspace will remain in place until at least 1300 (UK time) on Saturday April 17.

There are currently no airspace restrictions in Scotland, Northern Ireland and in an area over the North Sea that includes the Shetlands and Orkney Isles. Manchester, Liverpool and all airports North of those may be available from 0400 (UK time) – 1000 (UK time) for departures to and arrivals from the North and West subject to individual co-ordination. However, please be advised that the situation is continuously changing. Forecasts indicate that the ash cloud is expected to return over Northern England at 1000 (UK time) and it is likely that restrictions will be reintroduced.

Please note these arrangements do not mean that all flights will operate. Anyone hoping to travel today or tomorrow should contact their airline before going to the airport.

We are looking for opportunities when the ash cloud moves sufficiently for us to enable some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC.

We will review further Met Office information and at 0900 (UK time) on Saturday we will advise further arrangements.

We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.

St Patricks Day Parades in New York, USA

17^th March 2010

The annual New York City St Patrick's Day Parade takes place today. This huge 5^th Avenue Parade starts at 44^th Street at 11:00 am and marches up 5^th Avenue to 86^th Street finishing around 5:00 pm.

This gridlocks the city and extra security measures will also be in place.

Moscow (Russia) Customs Delays

16^th March 2010

Due to recent changes in customs procedures in Russia, there is currently a backlog of consignments awaiting customs inspection in Moscow.

This has resulted in delays on customs clearance for dutiable consignments.

Our service to all other Russian destinations remains unchanged and deliveries of non-dutiable shipments (documents) are not affected.

Should you require any further information or wish to check on the latest status of your consignment please enter your consignment number on www.crossflight.com or email our customer services team.

US Daylight Saving Time Changes

14^th March 2010

Daylight Saving Time begins in the USA and Canada on 14^th March and the clocks will go forward one hour. As the UK will not change to British Summer Time until 28^th March, our US material will need to depart earlier in order to arrive in time to meet any on forwarding connections.

During this two week period, our close out times for US flights will be departing earlier and although we will ensure your material is lodged in time to travel from the UK, on forwarding areas for the US may possibly be affected.

The latest status on your consignment can be viewed on-line by entering your tracking number via www.crossflight.com or please contact our customer services department.

National Elections in Iraq

4^th March 2010

Due to increased security between the 4^th and 9^th of March during Iraq's national elections no customs clearances are expected to be made at the Iraqi airports.

Deliveries to Iran

1^st March 2010

Iranian customs are now physically inspecting all shipments sent to Iran.

This is expected to cause on-going delays for all courier services and all delivery companies.

Deliveries to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

10^th February 2010

The customs office of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a bulletin emphasising a number of requirements for deliveries.

Pro-forma invoices must be issued by the original shipper and not by courier companies. The shipper and consignee details, including full address and contact telephone numbers must be provided.
Printed air waybills must be used. Hand written air waybills are not accepted.
Failure to provide the necessary paper work may cause delays to imports.

Deliveries to Copenhagen

7^th December 2009

Due to security arrangements put in place by the United Nations Climate Conference organisers NHG, part of the MCI Group delays are expected as all express courier shipments will under go additional security checking. Final delivery will only be made by NHG's delivery service.

The conference runs from Monday the 7^th of December 2009 until Friday the 18^th of December 2009. The normal delivery schedule will resume after the conference.

EID Holiday

26^th November 2009

The Eid ul-Fitr Holiday is taking place. Depending on the country, the holiday runs from the 26^th of November to the 28^th or 29^th of November 2009.

For futher details on which countries are observing which dates please check our Service Updates page.

During the holiday most, if not all, government and private company offices will be closed.

Pedestrianisation of Florence (Italy) City Centre

As of the 26^th of October 2009 the city centre of Florence, Italy, has been pedestrianised.

All Vehicles (including taxis, buses, motorbikes and electrical vehicles) may enter the pedestrianised parts of the city between 06:00a.m. and 09:30a.m. After 09:30a.m. only pedestrian access is permitted.

As a consequence an extra days transist time must be allowed for all standard courier deliveries to the center of Florence.

If courier shipment requires a next day delivery please contact Customer Services who can advise you which timed delivery Option will best suit your needs.

Customer Services can be contacted as follows:

By email to cs@crossflight.com
By Telephone 01753 776060

Express Courier Christmas Service

UK express courier Christmas Service

Due to increased traffic volumes in the lead up to Christmas the last shipping date for pre Christmas delivery of UK Courier material is the 17^th of December.

Unless special arrangements are made prior to despatch, consignments received after this date may not be delivered before the 25^th of December.

Please contact Customer Services for details as follows:

By email to cs@crossflight.com
By Telephone 01753 776060

International express courier Christmas Service

Due to increased traffic volumes in the lead up to Christmas and seasonal flight amendments, please allow additional time to the standard published transit quide for any courier shipments that are required to be delivered prior to the 25^th December.

Please contact Customer Services for details as follows:

By email to cs@crossflight.com
By Telephone 01753 776060

USA Shipments

Lastest Collection Time Changes during the UK/US BST/DST change over week

Between the 26^th of October and the 1^st of November the deadline for USA early flight was brought forward, due to the UK clocks going back by 1 hour on the 25^th.

Normal express courier service was resumed following the USA time change on the 2^nd of November bringing them in line with the UK's change.

Shipping to the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are not part of the UK's customs area. Non document shipments to the Channel Islands will require either pro-forma or commercial invoices.

Pro-forma invoices can be created using myCrossflight when sending courier shipments.

Iraq - Baghdad Airport open

Baghdad airport is now open again.

Portuguese Customs strike

From the 23^rd to the 25^th of September 2009 Portuguese Customs will be on strike.

This may cause delays to non EU imports and exports.

Christmas 2009 Recommended Last Posting Dates

Please note these dates do not apply to our international express courier service.

Surface Mail

1^st October	Rest of World (except Canada, Far East, Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and USA)
6^th October	Far East (except Hong Kong and Singapore) and Middle East
20^th October	Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and USA
10^th November	Eastern Europe, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Iceland
24^th November	Western Europe

2nd Class Mail

21^st November	South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Far East, New Zealand and Australia
28^th November	USA, Canada and Middle East
18^th December	UK

1st Class Mail

4^th December	South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East, Asia, New Zealand and Australia
10^th December	Japan, USA, Canada and Eastern Europe
11^th December	Western Europe
21^st December	UK

For professional advice, quotations and further details of our wide range of Christmas posting and fulfilment services, contact the Sales team:

By email to sales@crossflight.com
By Telephone 01753 776020

Iraq - Baghdad Airport closed

As of the 12^th of September 2009 the main airport has been closed due to the security situation.

This has resulted in significant delays to courier services in and out of the country.

No date has been given for the reopening of the airport.

EU Enlargement

On January 1^st 2007 the following countries joined the EU:

Bulgaria
Romania

During the first 6 months of membership Customs in both countries will be actively checking all shipments imported to verify that goods claimed to be of EU origin are indeed of EU origin. In order to prevent delays to shipments please continue to supply pro-forma invoices for all shipments as before.

EU Enlargement

On May 1^st 2004 the following countries joined the EU:

Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Hungary
Latvia
Lithuania
Malta
Poland
Slovakia
Slovenia

The main impact is that VAT is chargable on services to these countries.

We also have a complete list of EU Countries and list of Country Codes.

For any questions regarding how this will affect service - please contact customer services.

Weekends

While much of the western and christian world have a Saturday/Sunday weekend, many countries have different practices. These include:

Friday only Djibouti, Sudan, Palestine
Thursday/Friday Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Yemen, Egypt, Somalia
Friday/Saturday Qatar, Jordan, Syria, UAE, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Iraq, Mauritania
Saturday/Sunday Lebanon