DHL Global Forwarding has invoked force majeure as a result of the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesperson for DHL Global Forwarding said: “With almost all elements of the air and ocean supply chain on certain trade lanes currently being impossible to predict or control, DHL Global Forwarding decided to declare force majeure and to reserve the right to modify its services to the prevailing circumstances consequent to the virus.

“We will continuously review this position as the situation is very fluid for the industry at the moment. DHL Global Forwarding continues to provide extensive transport services and is tirelessly assisting customers in keeping their supply chains up and running.”

Force majeure is a common clause in contracts that refers to an event that is beyond the reasonable control of a party and prevents that party from fulfilling its contractual obligations.

With factories around the world closing their doors, shipping lines cancelling sailings and aircraft grounded, more logistics service providers are likely to invoke the clause.

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