The consequences of the corona crisis were not only noticeable in day-to-day trade, but also in the fresh produce transport sector. Exceptional border controls are already being carried out at many national borders, resulting in considerable delays and extra driving time. We spoke to two transport companies about the current situation.
Austria: "We are still going to Italy"
Despite the exceptional situation in Italy, fresh goods are still transported between the southern European country and its neighbours. "We always go to Italy. We have to, because there are still too few domestic goods at the moment," says Christian Trabass from the Styrian transport company Matzhold, during a loading in Florence. So far, the transporter does not see any major impairment of orders. "The catering trade has been closed throughout Austria since Monday, but in other areas, such as the retail trade, more volumes are already needed."
Christian Trabass of Styrian company Matzhold continues to travel to Italy
The delays due to the tightened border controls at the Austrian external borders were already noticeable. "This not only affects the border with Italy, but also Slovenia and Hungary. But there are big differences between the individual Austrian regions. In Tyrol, a complete curfew has already come into effect." It is difficult to predict what will happen next: "The situation is tense and changes every quarter of an hour. We as transporters definitely need a thick skin," Trabass wanted to emphasize.
Germany: "Additional volumes of dried fruit and German apples"
At Spedition Krause, based in Celle in Lower Saxony, there is currently a high level of activity. "Volumes are exploding in part; we transported two extra deliveries on Monday. Between 20-30 percent more is already being delivered. Dried fruit and apples in particular are in great demand," says a company spokeswoman.
Spedition Krause vehicles
The main activity of the company is the transport of fresh produce between Hamburg and Munich, supplying central offices of all well-known retail chains as well as the Munich wholesale market. From Wednesday onwards, many Bavarian shops and restaurants will close temporarily, but according to our information, the Munich wholesale market will remain open.
For more information:
Johannes Matzhold GesmbH
Christian Trabass
Arndorf 72
8181 Unterfladnitz
Tel: +43 (0)3178/5121
Fax: DW 21
office@matzhold.at
www.matzhold.at
Jens Krause Spedition GmbH & Co. KG
Karl-Schiller-Str. 8
29225 Celle
+49 (0) 5141 - 977267-0
info@krause-spedition.de
www.krause-spedition.de