Coronavirus

How Annex Brands is Responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

First and foremost, our highest priority is the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities in which we serve the public.

Because we provide services that are critical to our customers, Annex Brands has been designated as an Essential Business that is to stay open during stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders. Annex Brands has closely monitored the federal, state, and local regulations regarding the Coronavirus. Annex Brands has used the recommendations and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to educate our staff and customers on the best ways to stay safe and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Coronavirus

Are Annex Brands’s locations open during their normal business hours?

To best advocate for the safety of both our employees and customers, some locations have modified their store hours. Since this is a fluid and ever-changing situation, use our location finder at the top of the screen to find the most current hours of your local shipping center.
 

Are my Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and Post Office packages safe to handle?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the “likelihood of an infected person contaminating personal goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.”
 

Can I get COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from my mail?

While health experts have said the risk is low, it’s best to wash your hands for 20 seconds and avoid touching your face after handling your mail.
 

Can I get the coronavirus (COVID-19) from package deliveries?

Both the CDC and WHO have stated that the chance of getting the coronavirus from a delivered package is low since the package has travelled and been exposed to a variety of conditions and temperatures.
It’s best to take precaution when you can. After handling or receiving packages, be sure to avoid contact with your eyes and face and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
 

How should I pay for my purchases at a store during the COVID-19 crisis?

If you want to avoid paying by cash, use your debit or credit card. If you do, avoid handing your card over a clerk, if possible. This for your safety and theirs. Remember, any keypad you have to use has been touched by others, so don’t touch your face after using the device, and wash your hands as soon as practical. To avoid handing over cash or your credit card, use a digital wallet app on your phone like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay, when possible. Always be sure to avoid touching your face until you can wash your hands.
 

Do I still need to sign for packages?

FedEx: No. To promote social distancing, FedEx has temporarily suspended the need for a signature where it is normally required. However, the driver will still need to make contact with the consignee. The consignee must, at the time of delivery, acknowledge that FedEx is making a delivery and, if applicable, show government issued photo ID.

UPS: No. UPS is temporarily suspending the need for a signature where it is normally required. However, the driver will still need to make contact with the consignee. The consignee must, at the time of delivery, acknowledge that UPS is making a delivery and, if applicable, show government issued photo ID.

USPS: No. The recipient will simply be asked for his or her first initial and last name for Signature Required packages.
 

My city is under a Stay-At-Home or Shelter-In-Place order. Will I still receive shipments from FedEx, UPS, and the USPS?

Yes. FedEx, UPS, and the USPS essential businesses, according to the list found on CISA.gov in the Transportation and Logistics sector.
 

Can I get the virus from my FedEx, UPS, or postal carrier?

FedEx, UPS, and the USPS are all following the guidelines set forth by the WHO and CDC to ensure they are taking every measure against the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, please visit the CDC, WHO, FedEx, UPS, or USPS websites.

My community is under at stay-at-home order. Will a freight carrier still deliver?

Yes. Freight carriers such as YRC, UPS Freight, FedEx Freight, and Panther are Essential Businesses according to the list found on CISA.gov in the Transportation and Logistics Sector.

Can I get the virus from my delivery person?

Freight carriers are following the guidelines set forth by the WHO and CDC to ensure they are taking every measure against the spread of COVID-19.

Do I still need to sign for freight deliveries?

YRC: No. YRC is eliminating pickup and delivery signature requirements per CDC guidelines.

UPS Freight: No. UPS Freight is temporarily suspending the need for a signature. Consignees will no longer need to sign for UPS Freight Signature Required deliveries. Despite this adjusted process, the driver will still need to make contact with the consignee. The consignee must, at the time of delivery, acknowledge that UPS Freight is making a delivery and, if applicable, show government issued photo ID.

FedEx Freight: No. FedEx Freight is temporarily suspending the need for a signature. The driver will still need to make contact with the consignee. The consignee must, at the time of delivery, acknowledge that FedEx Freight is making a delivery and, if applicable, show government issued photo ID.

Panther:Panther is temporarily suspending signature requirements. Shipments tendered to Panther no longer require signature on the delivery receipt. Drivers and delivery personnel will log the date, time, and location of delivery. This data log will serve as conclusive proof of delivery. When possible, service Drivers and delivery personnel will also log the name of the receiving individual and take photographs of the delivered shipment. This rule will remain active until Panther determines that social distancing is no longer required.

Is my freight shipment safe to handle?

Both the CDC and WHO have stated that the chance of getting the coronavirus from a delivered package is low since the package has travelled and been exposed to a variety of conditions and temperatures. It’s best to take precaution when you can. After handling or receiving freight, be sure to avoid contact with your eyes and face and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Similarly, it is highly unlikely a virus on a wooden crate would survive the trip.

What about the interior contents? Could the coronavirus still be on that?

Not likely. According to the CDC, "Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging."

Can I have a location receive and hold my freight shipments until a more convenient time?

Yes. Contact the location near you for assistance.