There are amusing stories, for instance, about Third World governments ordering y2k studies completed by the middle of 2000. But, seriously, Rutner says computer systems operated by custom agents in undeveloped countries are highly vulnerable and have not yet been addressed. He says cargo may be held up at custom posts across the world next January, stuck indefinitely until the y2k bug is removed. Carriers and forwarders don t have the resources and manpower to fix all customs, Rutner says. They are bringing attention to the appropriate government agencies but it s a race against the clock.
Time is clicking and if they wake up today, there still isn t enough time.
The companies raising the red flags realize everyone won t heed their call in time and have extensive contingency plans to keeps goods moving by bypassing problem areas. Chep says prevention is its top strategy but is assuring customers that it s also ready for the worst. It is incumbent upon us to also make sure there are alternatives and contingency plans if a or some components should fail, Sparn says. FedEx has already started identifying alternate suppliers, vendors and operational sites. It says it will set up a contingency plan command and control center by April 30, complete y2k preparations by Sept. 30 and have key personnel on call to address y2k issues beginning in November.