N.Y.N.J. Ports Reopen With Some Limitations; Some Offering Support for Those Affected

All Port of New York and New Jersey container terminals reopened at 7 a.m. Nov. 5, except the Red Hook terminal, which reopened at 8 a.m. See details (here). There were some limitations, for example, Maher Terminals told customers that it would not be receiving empty containers into its facilities Nov. 5 and it wasn't sure if it would be allowed to process trucks past 6 p.m. (here)

Port Newark Container Terminal said there would be no export reefer receiving for any vessels. PNCT was temporarily closed Monday morning due to problems with their gate, it said. But it said it would be working heavy lift Nov. 5 and 6 (here). Port Elizabeth and Port Newark will be open to truck traffic from 07:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs only until further notice. It suggested spreading container pickup and delivery throughout the day in order to avoid undue wait time at terminals.

The Coast Guard said Nov. 3 that the Port of New York and New Jersey were open to all vessel transits with the exception of the Arthur Kill south of the Goethals Bridge (here).

Meanwhile, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America offered its help for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. It said it has been contacted by its members seeking news and offering support for colleagues in the affected areas. The offers include use of facilities until affected workplaces are back on line, help with back office issues, and redirection of cargo, it said. It also said those needing assistance should email recp@ncbfaa.org with a description of the need "and we will share it with the membership so that anyone who can, and wishes to respond, may do so."

The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. announced extended provisions to assist exporters and financial institutions in federal disaster areas. The Bank offered administrative relief measures (here). They include automatic extension of loan terms and deadlines for filing claims, waiving program requirements with which parties cannot reasonably comply for up to three months, extending claim-filing deadlines, extending shipment reporting and premium payment deadlines, flexibility in claims analysis and automatic policy renewal for policies, and extending claim-filing deadlines.

A DHL Express helicopter began flying relief missions to hurricane-stricken areas of Staten Island and Baldwin Harbor, N.Y., Nov. 3, it said. It was all part of a coordinated, local community effort involving DHL Express, East End Helicopter and various community partners to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, it said (here). And UPS pledged $1.5 million in cash and in-kind support to aid in the recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy (here).