Over the past few days, the country has sprung into action to try and mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the coronavirus which has popped up in over 100 countries, infected over 200,000, and killed at least 8,648 by the last count. Doctors, nurses, first responders, some volunteers, and even grocery store employees have been designated as “essential” workers. But as with most disasters, truck drivers are largely unsung heroes driving the coronavirus response.
Truck drivers are more vulnerable to the coronavirus on average than the general population. Truckers can’t do their jobs remotely. And a boom of freight demand caused by shoppers stripping stores of necessary items has led to record wait times to unload in parts of the country. Despite that, the vast majority of truckers are still working every single day.
“We got into trucking 13 years ago, and specifically the pharmaceutical division, to help people in times like this because we know they need their medication,” Deb LaBree told FreightWaves.
“We haul medicine that has to move no matter what,” said LaBree, who runs team with her husband, Del. “No, we can’t quarantine ourselves 100%, but we have always been conscientious of sanitary practices — but we are even more so now.”
It’s not just pharmaceutical loads that desperately need to get where they’re going. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that they are suspending trucking Hours of Service (HOS) requirements for emergency supplies of all kinds. That includes not only items like face masks, hand sanitizer, and medical supplies, but also food, fuel, and the raw goods used to make all of the above.
Drivers face contracting the virus every time they fill up their tanks, use public restrooms, or even just use a pen provided by a shipper or receiver to sign paperwork – not to mention any time they are within 6 feet of any other human being.
While the risk of exposure and the potential severity of the illness is greater for truckers, driver who fall ill are finding it difficult to get tested for the virus. Many drive-through testing facilities that have popped up around the country have been set up to cater to cars, not large trucks. Many temporary testing clinics don’t have truck parking available.
There are some facilities that do offer testing to truckers including urgent care centers and medical facilities that normally cater to OTR drivers. But these locations are limited to the maximum of 20 test kits per site that other medical facilities are currently restricted to – a far cry for what may be needed.
America badly needs the freight that truckers bring every single day, so America badly needs truckers. And right now, that means truckers keep themselves healthy, not only for themselves, but for the sake of the entire country.
The American Trucking Association (ATA) has sent a letter to President Trump and Vice President Pence asking for clear healthcare guidance, assistance with resolving the truck parking problem, and help on other issues that “assure that trucks are able to continue to safely deliver medicine, food, fuel, water and other basic necessities to communities and homes.”
“Absent policies like these, it will be more difficult to ensure that the shelves are stocked and emergency supplies reach first responders and medical personnel,” reads the ATA letter. “The efforts to keep us safe, healthy and supplied are shared by government, private citizens and businesses alike. Trucking will continue to do its part in these difficult times. In this current crisis, we ask for your help in supplying America, together.”
For guidance on how to manage your risk of contracting the virus, visit the CDC website.
“When this pandemic is over, I hope truckers that were a huge part of keeping America moving and the shelves stocked realize they have achieved hero status in my book,” LaBree told FreightWaves.
Source: overdrive, overdrive, overdrive, ttnews, freightwaves, WHO, freightwaves, freightwaves
Most people in the US don’t realize that not just medicine but everything in their lives, I mean, everything, right down to the toilet paper most are hoarding to food, water, clothing, furniture, fuel, cars and even the wood and building materials for homes. All comes by trucks and truck drivers bring it to the stores and distribution centers. So thanks. We’ve been unsung heroes for a long time. Hope Trump fixes the parking problem and maybe gets us a raise. Well Got to get back on the road, see you out there.
And Bernie’s railroads will not solve the problem
It might not mean much because sometimes words can seem empty, but my family and I GREATLY appreciate all the hard work that truck drivers do for us, especially during this time. We also appreciate the drivers families that provide support to them while they are away from home. So, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and keep up the great work!
So kind of you to say won’t go unnoticed besides we are just doing our jobs.
Thank you so much for the shout out!!
It is always encouraging to be noticed and appreciated.🥰
I personally think this is a perfect time for the truckers to shut down. Have been working for cheap rates for too many years
Problem is they’ll end putting all the blame on us that at a time like this how could we do such a thing…. so when we are mostly needed we are still not recognized.
This is not the time for a shut down, peoples lives are at stake.
I would like to due to the risk factor of infection, but then pretty selfish. Only water, food, and medical supplies should be moving. Rest should be home.
fredie conley,,,,,,Jeez lueez. How stupid that idea is. If truck drivers shut down now the industry would never recover in our lifetime. Now we are demonstrating how our job effects the county. If you need a kudos . Here is a “kudos” . Now get your head out of your rear end. Can’t handle it? Find a job that gets you a thank you for stamping a paper.
We’re heroes
They want the freight, they don’t give a rat’s behind about the driver who brings it. No surprise there. In fact it would be shocking if the driver was appreciated in some, even minute way. That would be earth shattering indeed.
Agree
Truck drivers have always been heroes without them nothing gets moving, the government needs to establish temporary testing clinics at truck stops to protect them. May God bless and protect every truck driver out there, you are our heroes!!
I like your idea. Here is the E Mail Address to contact Trump at the white house https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
It cant hurt to try. We don’t get anything done if we don’t put forth some effort Testing in Truck stops. Just might work.
At this point God is the one true source for protection. Government don’t care about truckers, they just mandate drivers to death. It doesn’t matter who is in the white house, God is still in control. God has a way to shift our focus. No one man has power like God
😂😂😂😂
Amen
Amen.
Amen
Absolutely 100% agree and through all this God is still good!
Amen!!!
Pfft, God could’ve stopped it with all his supposed power, but nah, he’s just sitting back and laughing at mere mortals’ attempts to battle something he let happen, or even caused
I totally agree! He should have designed a system where free will does not exist and no one should be subject to cause and effect. It’s not fair that I should have to make choices and be affected by the choices of others. I should be able to live in a vacuum of perfect love and harmony with no nasty decisions to get in the way. Cause and effect should be done away with because it interferes with my joy of existence.
Why should he stop it? Paradox mean anything to you? Think
If your God is so great why would it be allowed to happen in the first place???keep your cult bull to yourself!!! There is NO GOD!!!
Has it took an emergency like this to realize that truckers play a HUGE role in our country?? If it wasn’t for the truckers, your stores would be empty all the time. I have been driveing for 30years, and I have seen government regulations drive out a lot of truckers. It’s pretty bad when the dot can put you out of service just because you have a clearance light out! Government needs to stand behind our men and women truckers. Because without them, games over and the country stops.
I agree, government just needs to get out of our way and let us do our job.
The driver has a larger job than most people realize.The driver is taking care of the public even when not scene.Those mirrors on their trucks are there eyed similar to eyes on the back of their heads.They are constantly monitoring road position.conditiond.oil pressure .Where you the 4 wheeler is or are at all times
His concentration is listening for wierd engine noises.watching for debree on the road,watching your driving,reducing their speed if you take up his safety zone all in the name of being professional.This may not make sense to you as you argue with your passenger or give the Driver the bird .They have a larger job and truly are the King of the road,with out the Human truck driver you will have to become a farmer who also is a hard working profession that is paid peanuts. Hi time the government lower the wages of government employees and pay their driver and farmers accordingly.
Please tell me that at least some of you callbullshit on this corona virus crap. Not saying it’s not real,just saying that it’s either a. A diversion from something more sinister quite likely or B. A chemical weapon sent from ? That’s way worse than we are being told. I dont know for sure but this response isnt for the flu, if you think so,you are as dumb as the ones expecting is to believe this shit.
I’ve heard of one truck driver placed out of service in New Mexico for using the State of Emergency Exemption.
He was transporting food
(Produce).
It’s all b.s., no one cares about the,driver
Alex, in times like these, let’s try to be a little more encouraging. We all could use a little emcouragement friend…
Stay strong, and trust in God.
Humans: *Trust in god*
God: LOL, screw you, have a pandemic!
This article is bogus. No mention of the 800+ trucking companies who closed their doors due to how bad this industry is. Now, they want us to believe that we are appreciated, when all they have done is mistreated us for years through over regulation, lack of or banning truck parking, ELDs, operating hours cut, etc. It doesn’t even pay to haul anymore! The driver is the last one on anyone’s mind!
Blame everyone but yourself, YOU signed up for it knowing how trucking is. Find something else to do if you don’t like it or hate it so bad, nobody makes you do this. I been doing this 30 plus years so go cry somewhere else or put your big boy pants on and go to work
I’ve also been out here for 30 years I question you’re response. They are asking for respect and better pay that shouldn’t shock you if you really have been out here you should realize what they’re saying.
Spoken like a true slave.
We are:were team drivers. Your right. We have filthy truck stops, some filthy truckers. Have to shower on the road truck stop showers barely meet standards of cleaned. We eat on the road. Vulnerable
as a Dr. retired started driving with husband 5 years ago. My assessment is accurate. With a healthy immune system on a good day we’re lucky. Being asked to drive over ride HOS results in run down drivers. We are in greater need than ever but do you think we’ll be paid what we’re worth to keep toilet paper, medicine on the shelf’s? No. FL wants to pay $1.02 -1.40 per mile when it costs $1.68 per mile to support the truck fuel , where n tare. No money to the driver. Load pay: 1/3 fuel, 20% taxes, 1/3 maintenance. Oil change $400 every 2 months.
As much as I should feel badly , after retiring DOD, we got home and are not driving until they pay what we’re worth. Provide no touch freight, no going to shippers who have crowded driver area then have no restroom to wash hands.
Sorry that article of appreciation little to late. That is further shown by how they treat us while driving on the road, cutting us off , lane changes and emergency lane changes. You 4 wheel drivers treat us like we’re an inconvenience on your roads.
For us we own our company we’re staying home. Maybe next time you’ll respect the truck bringing you toilet paper!
Yes You’re right nobody cares about Track Dravers we still driving in this difficult time we used public restroom coffee shower
Most of the companies that went belly up was NOT due to drivers in any way form or fashion. It was really piss poor management of the companies that stole mismanaged got caught and the drivers ultimately paid the price. Mistreatment of drivers , Well here is how that works. Drivers that behave like an idiot will be treated like one. Cuss and swear behave like a mindless monkey at customers and in public get treated like that. It does not take but one or two to screw up a good thing.The asinine acts of a few rubbed off onto the whole of the industry. Ask your self this. At one time we had the title of Knights of the road. How did we lose that title ?. The older hands earned it by how they did their jobs and presented themselves. How did the new drivers lose it.?It did not happen over night.
Until they need us.
“Drivers face contracting the virus every time they fill up their tanks, use public restrooms, or even just use a pen provided by a shipper or receiver to sign paperwork”
If you walk into a shipper or receiver without your own pen, you aren’t a driver, you’re a steering wheel holder.
also, if you wear pajama pants and flip flops at a shipper/receiver you are a steering wheel holder.
also, if you wear pajama pants and flip flops at a shipper/receiver you are a steering wheel holder.
LOL I think you’re the first person I’ve seen that shares this belief. I always had 2 in my shirt pocket and massive assortment in the cab.
Dang straight. This is what we’ve always done. Always in the background keeping this country’s essential services going while risking life, health and family. Glad to do it, you’re welcome. Hope this corona virus blows over so we can get back to being treated like crap.
The American people and this government don’t give one crap about truck drivers. They screw us in every way everyday of the year with the bs hos rules, the pos eld, no places to park, no access to decent food, excessive taxes, This may just wake the government and the American people up to how important we actually are all the time not just when their sick and starving.
Until then screw them. I will not haul anything that will directly help any of these clowns.
What all is said just always remember what’s there is there and what’s right there is there but once and everything is over nothing is said or ever done people don’t forget to go back to whatever they were doing they don’t even think that truckers exist or the stuff they have on their table that trucker brings so don’t ever think that people will always think that truckers exist in their eyes we don’t
I agree, we were offered a very high hourly rate to haul some “product” for a state agency and we turned them down.
We also run a brokerage and a factoring company. We have informed all our clients that if they pick up the contract they will no longer be able to utilize our services.
We just turned down a great deal of money to make a point. Bad business? Maybe but there comes a point when one has to take a stand.
Do your job and get over using the word hero. Heroes are guys like my brother who gave all fighting a war. People who saved others in life threatening situations. We are drivers. Well some of us are Most now are cry baby robots who can’t think on their feet, In my 41 years of trucking I have helped haul gods to places that are hit Ezra hard by horrible events. Went above the call of duty. By no means am I a hero. Just doing my job and at time not paid for it to get supplies to hard hit areas. Just do your job and not worry about being a hero.
Absolutely
What’s the difference I did 8 year’s in the navy what’s the difference. The otr life is one I’ve seen men breaking down over the life style. And they were from all branches of the military American hero is title I don’t like to hand over to anyone but for some reason it’s ok for fire,police ,armed service, they chose the job too don’t confuse my response the draft is something different . But get over it and get out of the way you’re blocking up the lane for the men and women who supply the country.
We will ALL get this virus! It’s to easily spread to avoid. It’s in Mother Nature’s hands until a vaccine is developed and tested. In this case Darwin is correct, it’s going to depend on you natural immune system and general health.
I recently had a restaurant worker thank me for doing my job, she even bought me a desert! I was very thankful for her kindness.
High dose Vitamin C & Echinacea. Boost your own immune system. Hydrate well, drink plenty of water too. Helps flush your system out. Use common sense and sanitary practices
It is too bad that truckers are never appreciated . It should be now that with all that’s going on the government should pay for all the fuel that all owner operators use and help them out anyway that they can. As These are the unspoken heroes right now !
Bla, bla, bla…now are we heroes?
Driving for 17 years I am treat as crap….
and still.
Testing does nothing. If you don’t have the virus now, the next stop might change that. If you DO test positive, your truck gets impounded at YOUR expense, and you get quarantined a thousand miles from home. Be careful what you wish for.
1$ a mile plus 20$ a hour I would appreciate that
I never thought of that before. Find a product to haul that’s absolutely necessary. Work for Pharma. Nice.
Blah, blah, blah just get the crap delivered they don’t give sh!- about drivers.
You have to a moron that drivers a for wheeler with that response.
Never cared and they never will. No matter what we do as drivers. But f*** them I do this for me and mine.
It’s always funny how they can suspend the hos rules when they need their s redacted.
For the last 54 years it has always been down the truck driver get the freight there don’t worry about their family they don’t count now that they need us they going to end up nice words so we will run a burn harder now it’ll never change until we change the attitude of this country
You are a % 100 right shutdown. Get the respect driver’s deserve and get paid for what you’re doing without the tucker’s we have nothing.
Everything you have is delivered by a truck driver everything something to think about. EVERYTHING.!!!!
thank you so much. it really means a lot to hear from people that really understand what we go through to keep every thing going.you know people take for advantage that when they go to Walmart or any other store that what ever they need is just automatically there they dont think what we had to go through to get it there or how it gets there.
Hello all trucker. GOOD morning, good afternoon, good evening. I hope everyone is doing well. I ben listening to news past 3to 4 weeks closely. Government shutting lot of places. Like restuarant, bar, extra extra. Why not trucking. Are all truck driver made from iron or steel or fiberglass. Dont none of of trucker have kids, mom, dad, or wife. Were they born alone in this world to just drive a truck. Sad thing is no is noone say thanks to trucker who is working hard to keep food medicine extra extra . Not even one MLA or any one I heard saying thanks to truckers.. we should all stop for week or 2weeks. Every take a vacation. All the company going to push cause they making 3 time more money cause shortages. Drivers dont have a place to go to washroom. Most shipers shut down there washrooms stuff. I dont know why we on road. . All truck driver should come under one roof and think about it . No one going to sport us cause they all going to say oh he just a trucker. Think about guys. Think two weeks not going to make big effect in pay roal. Just. Think
Thanking all my fellow truckers out there taking care of business in this time of crisis. I drove for over forty years and still drive for the county. I know how difficult it can be driving over the road during “normal” times but can only imagine what it’s like now. Keep up the good work my friends. You are very much appreciated by this old man and everyone else weather they admit it or not. God bless you.
It’s a perfect time for a truckers shutdown to get rid of the ELD’S and the other over bearing rules the government has needlessly placed on us. Blame it on the virus!
Sadly most of the shippers and receivers are treating us like we’re carrying the plague…I’ve been denied the use of restrooms for the 1st time in 25 years of driving
Only in times of crisis do they remember the Truckers until they say they are heroes but in normal times many do not want the Truckers until they look for ways to harm us, for example by giving tickets or citations for stupid things and also with the great checks of national routes of every year that for me is unnecessary because there is a checkup every day with the excuses that it is security that may be true but the intention of the DOT and the government is to receive money on the tickets is not security.
Let’s not forget about the roadside workers and tow truck drivers
As a former driver turned Safety and Compliance Director, I want to thank ALL of you out there putting your lives on the line – not just now – but every day.
I am here reading every day and I rarely comment, but just seeing you guys and gals out there doing what you always do and as far as I have heard and seen thus far, doing it very well and just as safe as ever.
Enjoy your freedom from HOS while it lasts, make that money and PLEASE STAY SAFE – the country needs you!
Thank you George Jetson I appreciate what you said. I want to thank all the drivers who are out here with me keeping America rolling. All you drivers that do nothing but whine all the time about the trucking industry & have a bad attitude with shippers & receivers its all on you. Why the hell would anyone want to tell you thank you or your appreciated anyways???
If you want the public to appreciate you more:
Stop tailgating at 70 mph
Stop speeding through work zones
Stop throwing your waste all over the place.
Stop spitting/urinating on the pavement
Dam it, so many negative attitudes of some that think they are truck drivers. these poor babies think they have to get a pat on the back for doing a job. when was the last time they thanked some one for doing their job?Fuel desk, mechanic, fork lift operator.? Never is my guess.If they can’t give it, what makes them think they deserve it.?
99% of the negativity is from the new breed. The steering wheel holders. . How do I know? by the way they post . Such ignorant stuff, it is laughable to read. Don’t like the treatment they get?. Listen up you poor unfortunate children with a CDL. You are treated like you present your self to customers and the public. Act,talk like an idiot you will be treated that way. Lets face it. In the last 30 years the quality of drivers has declined to the poor me driver, they need a hug and a pat on the head when they deliver a load. Yes ! There are exceptions to this and we see that too.On occasion. Todays driver would rather video someone that might need help instead of offering help. Then get their panties in a wad when turned down so they do not help anyone else or even offer. So if you need a pat on the head. Here it is. Pat pat pat pat Good little boy.
Can’t wait till truckers like you are gone. New truckers need to be supported too. You to I were new once upon a time. I dont get the hate. You claim we should help each other, but then complain about new truckers, when we are the ones who need your help. Your post is very contradicting. Steering wheel holders, as you call us, deliver loads too. I have a feeling you are saying something, without actually saying IT.I hear this rhetoric from a certain group of drivers. Passing you and giving you the finger, like our trucks could go over 65 or 62 in rain.
I’ve been looking at Twitter posts from #ThankATrucker and it’s been so uplifting to see! Drivers definitely could use the recognition especially now.
First, All truck drivers delivering in these tomes need a High Raise.
They are on the front line and keeping food on tables.
God Bless you all and keep safe.
President You k
Being a Black female trucker is hard. I’ve had my lines pulled, snot spread on my door handle, and many middle fingers. All from other truck drivers, but I keep on trucking….safe.