Belgium's state postal operator bpost has played down the extent of the disruption on its services due to the lockdown of Brussels city centre by authorities in response to a serious threat of a major terrorist attack, but other delivery companies confirm there are some delays.
The heart of Brussels has taken on a deserted air with the closure of stores, offices, schools, theatres and museums, the cancellation of seasonal markets, usually thronging with shoppers keen to shop early for Christmas, and restrictions to public transport. It is now patrolled by thousands of armed police and soldiers.
Belgium’s prime minister, Charles Michel, has said that some measures, for example, the closure of schools and the metro – could be lifted tomorrow (Wednesday) but the deployment of military personnel is likely to be stepped up.
bpost appears undeterred by the lockdown: "The Belgian authorities’ increased security measures have no impact on bpost’s operational procedures and only a small impact on postal activities in Brussels due to public transport limitation. There are almost no delays in bpost’s mail or parcel deliveries."
A spokesman confirmed to CEP-Research that none of the group's post offices, branches and operating centres in Brussels had been shut as a consequence of the state of emergency but entrances to buildings were guarded and access subject to identity checks.
"We have also introduced our own security measures on our premises to protect our staff," he added.
"It's important to underline that the 'lockdown' is focused on Brussels, not the rest of the country and even in the city centre bpost continues to serve its customers, be they businesses or institutions such as the European Commission.
"Compared to normal conditions, there are more frequent identity checks when seeking access to buildings and we are asking our staff to be more vigilant."
Commenting on the closure of some stores located in Brussels' main shopping centre, the bpost spokesman said: "Obviously, this effects deliveries of parcels but I'm not aware of any backlogs building up."
DHL said it is operating according to its normal procedures in Belgium and the security measures it has in place are in line with recommendations made by the Belgian government.
"We are advising customers that pick-up and delivery might be impacted in certain areas, for example where security operations are underway and/or access is restricted. DHL is taking all possible action to prevent shipment delays and to be able to deliver shipments on time to their respective destinations," a spokesman explained.
TNT said that with regard to its PUDO activities, it was "strictly following" the instructions and advice from the Belgian authorities.
"Many shops and businesses in Brussels remain closed. Shipments to or from restricted areas in Brussels cannot be delivered or collected at the moment," a spokesman said.
TNT's activities at its Liege EuroHub were not affected, the spokesman added. "We have strengthened security measures there as well."
Meanwhile, UPS warned that due to the current heightened level of security in Brussels, pickups and deliveries may be affected by locations that are closed due to the security situation.
"In addition there are a small number of areas where, due to security restrictions, UPS will be unable to gain access. Beyond that, we are currently not experiencing service disruptions in Belgium."
