When faced with local, regional and national disasters or emergencies, America’s first responders consistently run toward difficult and dangerous situations and circumstances to provide much needed relief, protection, resources and care for those impacted. These include our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers; medics, firefighters, law enforcement, military personnel and one often unsung group of heroes—our truck drivers.
“Truck drivers have always played significant roles in our responses to local and national emergencies,” said William Eskridge, TrüNorth Global Chairman/CEO. “They’re the men and women delivering much needed equipment and supplies to areas impacted by both manmade and natural disasters. The difference today is that, for the first time, many Americans are understanding the very real impact truck drivers have on their daily lives, as drivers risk their own health to keep products moving to hospitals, stores, factories and homes.”
In America’s coronavirus response, truck drivers have quickly emerged as the frontline protecting our supply chain. But how well is America protecting them?
In recent weeks, truck drivers have faced an increasing number of hurdles due in part to state mandated shutdowns of private businesses, including restaurants and hotels, as well as public rest rooms and highway rest stops. After Pennsylvania announced it was shutting down its state-run rest stops, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to direct states to ensure truck stops would remain open.
The American Trucking Associations has also asked the Trump administration to exempt truckers delivering essential goods from travel and other restrictions aimed at containing the pandemic, including guidance on driver health and possible testing for Covid-19. In response, FMCSA lifted hourly driving restrictions for truckers hauling critical medical goods and food for emergency restocking of stores due to the pandemic. This week, the agency expanded its national emergency declaration to include fuel, paper products and other groceries as well as raw materials such as paper, plastic and alcohol used to manufacture essential items.
“It’s really important that drivers and fleet owners have organization like the ATA and OOIDA in their corner and advocating for them at this crucial time,” Eskridge said. “These drivers are performing critical services in the midst of a very fluid and unprecedented situation, delivering supplies and equipment that will protect our healthcare workers and save lives,” he added. “We owe truck drivers a tremendous debt of gratitude here in the U.S., and throughout the world, as we navigate these challenging times.”
Whether you’re on the road or at home, learn about steps you can take reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your state’s emergency response website.
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