Germany - Strikes in railway traffic announced for Thursday, November 8, 2007

Issue 039, November 8, 2007

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Newsflash - Rail Strike in Germany

The Transport Center in Hamburg faces the prospect of delays and disruptions for our truck and rail business because of the upcoming strike by German train drivers (union GDL), which is planned from 1200 hrs Thursday November 8 until 0600 hrs Saturday November 10.

In order to minimize disruptions the following emergency measurements are planned by the leading German rail operator Transfracht (TFG):

• space and track guarantee by Deutsche Bahn for only 33 percent of the regular business.
• raising of additional truck capacity
• offering truck service upon request. Existing rail rates are not applicable for this service
• implementation of a central steering truck control
• priority service for dedicated customers

In addition to the announced rail action plan, DHL will react as follows:

• deployment of additional truck capacity
• immediate processing of delivery orders / recording of entries - focus on existing reservations

While we have planned to minimize disruptions to our transportation program in Germany, this railroad disruption will have an effect on our ability to timely deliver and pick-up containers the remainder of this week and potentially next week, as we are anticipating a substantial back-log as a result of this action.

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We will keep you informed about the progress and further developments of this railroad labor action in Germany.

Best regards,

Cas Pouderoyen
Sr. Vice President
Oceanfreight North America