Restrictions on household goods carried as air cargo inbound to the US

09-11-2010

We have been advised by the major US airlines that they are implementing a 30 day ban on cargo which represents an elevated risk – this includes all shipments of household goods or personal effects.

The ban is effective from 17.00 (GMT) on 8^th November 2010 and applies to cargo destined for or transiting through the US from all points of origin.

We are anticipating similar announcements from all airlines flying to the US as they respond to the same enhanced security requirements from the US Department of Homeland Security and we are being regularly updated by our carriers.

Implications of the ban

We continue to monitor the situation but in the short term we foresee the following implications:

• Substantial transit delays due to the reduced cargo capacity
• Increased costs – dedicated cargo carrier rates are significantly higher; this will of course be discussed with you on a case by case basis.

Affected assignees will be contacted by their Sterling coordinator and clients by their account manager.