Snowstorms and freezing rain that hit the Ohio Valley in mid-week have complicated plans for delivering thousands of packages nationwide in time for Christmas, delivery companies said yesterday.
Over the past two days, delivery trucks have been stuck in traffic or unable to cross snow-covered roads. And planes filled with cargo were stranded at airports in Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky.
The Federal Aviation Administration said hundreds of flights at several airports in the eastern half of the country were delayed yesterday, including some arrivals into Philadelphia and Newark that were more than an hour late. More than 200 flights in and out of Cincinnati were canceled. And poor visibility grounded many planes heading to Washington from the Northeast.
FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc. said they were hit by ice and snowstorms at their respective Midwest hubs in Indianapolis and Louisville on Wednesday late at night, the most crucial time of day for moving packages across the country. The two companies and the U.S. Postal Service have been trying to come up with alternative routes so packages can still arrive at their destinations by Christmas. But they said many would probably not make it.
"We do understand how important this is," said UPS spokeswoman Christine McManus, "but some things won't get delivered and we're just sick about that."
UPS, FedEx and the Postal Service said they would not offer money-back guarantees for late deliveries caused by the inclement weather. They suggest customers check online to track their orders and find out the latest information about the new estimated time of delivery. UPS and FedEx were reluctant to say how extensive the delays might be because they hoped to make up for lost time if the weather improves.
"Even though the weather affected operations primarily Wednesday night, it's a fluid situation," said FedEx spokeswoman Sally Davenport. She said FedEx workers are prepared to work on Christmas day and make deliveries through the night, so long as the weather conditions are safe. "We don't ask them to operate in dangerous conditions," Davenport said.
Retailers said it was too early to predict how many Christmas gifts would arrive late. Some said they have already heard from anxious customers.
"It's highly likely weather will impact deliveries," said Gus Whitcomb, spokesman for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. "We have heard from a few customers. Those who have called have been understanding."
Toys R Us Inc. decided to keep 10 stores in the Midwest open all night yesterday for last-minute shoppers. Company spokeswoman Susan McLaughlin said she doubts that many toys ordered through the company's online partner, Amazon.com Inc., that were supposed arrive by tomorrow will be delayed because the company set a Dec. 18 cutoff date for guaranteed delivery by Christmas.
"You might be delayed, but I can't imagine you'd be delayed by much," McLaughlin said. She said customers waiting to receive toys ordered online can buy toys at the store and return those ordered online.
Amazon.com said it offered guarantees to customers for delivery by Christmas if they placed orders by a cutoff date. "We did have some holiday guarantees," said Amazon.com spokesman Craig Berman. "Fortunately, we processed nearly all our orders before the storm."
Staff writer Michael Barbaro contributed to this report.
