Ensuring Supply Chain Continuity during COVID-19

To our valued customers:

The past several weeks have impacted all of us as the COVID-19 virus has disrupted many facets of our personal and professional lives. The impacts to the global supply chain have been no exception, which is why I wanted to update you on the steps we have taken at C.H. Robinson to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, while remaining focused on providing supply chain continuity for all of our customers. 

Because we operate globally, we have been in various stages of our business continuity plans for several weeks. Last week we made the decision to provide all of our employees with the option to work from home if they preferred to do so. As a result of the increased investments we have made in our global technology platform in the last several years, as well as the hard work of our teams, I am pleased to share that we are fully operational around the globe, 24/7, without any service interruption. Many of you have reached out with the need for additional assistance and we’ve been able to step in to help.    

Protecting and investing in our people continues to be a main priority. For all employees, we are guaranteeing compensation for those that cannot work remotely. We are also, for example, offering enhanced COVID-19 related medical benefits to employees in countries where relevant. We know that our employees are our most important asset.       

As we all work through this challenging time together, we know that it is imperative that your supply chains continue to operate without incident. We know you count on us to ensure shelves are stocked with necessary goods for consumers, to see that medical equipment and medicines are available when and where they are needed and to ensure that supply chains continue to move--regardless of the market cycle or external factors. Our teams are experienced in managing through crisis situations and are committed to ensuring that you receive the best service at the most critical times.

Our teams within surface transportation, global forwarding, managed services and Robinson Fresh are ready, across our global network, to meet your needs. Our account management teams are available via their normal mode of communication, and our digital platforms such as freightquote.com are fully functional. Additionally, as new developments emerge that impact global supply chains, we will continue to update our client advisories. 

I also want to share what we are doing to support our communities in this difficult time. Giving back and helping our neighbors is part of our cultural DNA, and who we are as an organization. In addition to gifts we made to Give2Asia during the initial outbreak in Wuhan province, we are contributing $250,000 to support those impacted by COVID-19:

• Hunger Relief: the World Food Programme, Feeding America and Second Harvest Heartland, to support hunger relief efforts, locally, nationally and globally
• Truck Driver Assistance: St. Christopher’s Fund, to provide financial assistance to truck drivers during these increased times of need 
• Local Needs: Additional support of our current nonprofit partners who face an increase in demand for their programs due to COVID-19

We look forward to continuing to serve you and I personally want to thank you for being a valued C.H. Robinson customer.