People who have bought Christmas gifts online may not receive their purchases in time for the big day this week.
Travel restrictions being imposed on those coming from the UK to mainland Europe are having a knock-on effect on freight transport.
Around 250 Irish trucks are stuck in the UK trying to access the continent.
A 48-hour travel ban on passengers from Britain was announced yesterday in response to the rapid spread of a new strain of COVID-19 in parts of England.
This restriction on flights and passenger ferries is likely to be extended, the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan confirmed this morning.
The President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eugene Drennan, said the majority of hauliers are delayed in ports along the east coast of England, while some may also be caught in Calais in France.
He told The Pat Kenny Show that he is hopeful of some movement today, but stated that a travel ban implemented by France yesterday failed to take into account that Irish hauliers would be using the land bridge between the continent and the UK.
He said: "France did not think of Ireland when they brought in this blanket ban yesterday afternoon.
"Because of that, we have 200 to 250 Irish people trying to get home."
Mr Drennan added that Irish registered trucks should be pulled out of the long queues which have formed at the ports and France should make an exception to help out a fellow EU state.
He said that Irish Ferries are in a position to run a direct sailing to Cherbourg this evening which may alleviate some of the pressure on goods needing to be transported today.
Christmas
On whether those travelling today would get back in time for Christmas, Mr Drennan said they would have to consider flights and leaving the trucks parked in France.
He explained: "One thing I would like people to know is that there are no problems with the Ireland-UK ferries today.
"Freight is moving, for anyone who is concerned about a family member who is travelling outward or inward can travel today or tomorrow."
However, another consideration for people this week that presents bought online may not arrive in time for Christmas.
Mr Drennan said: "People who shopped online may not get packages for Christmas now and they may need to do traceability checks this morning to see where their item is and is it on the way.
"The thing with these major sites is that you may end up shopping in Germany...and that may not arrive this week.
"There is some possibility that some stuff won't get through.
He said people should check whether their order has left its distribution centre and if not, they may need to make "other arrangements" with regard to getting the goods they need for Christmas.
