By Jack Porter, “The Trucking Activist” Managing Director – The TCA Profitability Program
As I sit in my home barred from travel, I watch the news and coronavirus updates. In light of the multiple closings of cities, the panic at the sight of empty grocery store shelves; something leaps out to me, “Thank God for the Truckers!” As we float in these turbulent, uncharted waters, and we see unprecedented economic moves to protect us from the impact of the virus, one thing is truly taken for granted — the Individual Trucker — working with their dedicated Operations people servicing the supply chain. It’s just generally assumed that the supply chain will endure. A true compliment to our trucking industry, that through thick and thin they are working to deliver 70% of the goods in the U.S.
A trucking community that is putting the needs of the nation ahead of the individual risks they may face. The average age of a truck driver today is about 61. But they keep doing their mission, day-in and day-out during these unprecedented times. In the face of this challenge I believe the country, the government, and the people need to thank them for their service — I certainly do!
As we address some facts versus fiction, and try to build an adequate response strategy, I personally find some strategies impacting truck drivers needed. 1) Truck stops need to have a heightened awareness of cleanliness, as advised by the CDC, to keep them safe for our drivers. 2) Federal and state governments need to keep the rest stops open, period. (Pennsylvania closing their rest areas needs to be reviewed). After-all, when stopped and resting, they are mostly doing that in their own quarantined vehicle. 3) financial support for those drivers that have been affected by COVID-19 needs to be considered, along with monetary relief for their service to delivering freight in times of need.
God Bless the Truckers, and I appreciate the steps taken by the Truckload Carriers Association in supporting their members. View resources, here: www.truckload.org/resources-for-covid-19.
Stay safe out there,
Jack