November 10, 2020
To: Our Valued Customers and Business Partners
RE: COVID-19 Impact on Shipping
Dear Partners,
Ellsworth Adhesives is committed to serving our customers in these unprecedented times. We have taken many steps to protect our essential workers and keep an uninterrupted flow of product. A crucial aspect of our ability to service our customers is transportation and freight.
Carrier networks have already been strained from the impacts of COVID-19 on their workers and operational hubs and as a result are not meeting delivery commitments. In fact, major carriers including FedEx and UPS have eliminated service guarantees.
Ellsworth Adhesives is processing orders normally without disruption. However, nearly all freight and parcel carriers are dealing with unprecedented demand that is expected to exceed carrier capacity starting in mid-November through the end of 2020. This imbalance is the result of a pandemic-driven rush toward e-commerce, which trend experts expect to continue as consumers shop online to avoid going into stores.
Even though Ellsworth Adhesives will be shipping orders as scheduled, shipments may encounter delays as a result. We want to make sure you plan accordingly for potential delays in the carrier network. Ellsworth Adhesives is taking proactive measures to protect our supply chain and we are encouraging you to do the same. Some things for you to consider:
Build in an additional 2-3 days to your lead time to account for potential delivery delays.
Avoid reliance on carrier expedites. Both UPS and FedEx have suspended on-time shipping money-back guarantees, including overnight services.
Ellsworth Adhesives will assist to help expedite delayed shipments but cannot be responsible for additional carrier and expedite costs due to carrier delays.
Temperature sensitive product will only be shipped from Ellsworth Adhesives on Mondays and Tuesdays to minimize the risk of product getting delayed in transit and potentially expiring before delivery.
Temperature sensitive product will only be shipped via priority services. If you would like to ship on non-priority services, Ellsworth will not be responsible for compromised material due to any delivery delays.
Ellsworth Adhesives will continue to provide the best in class service that you expect. Together, we can protect against the issues that carrier delays may cause to your company’s production.
Warm Regards,
Roger Lee
Global President
Ellsworth Adhesives, Specialty Chemical Distribution