During a time of global crisis, the employees moving America are uniquely impacted – and uniquely needed. COVID-19 has severely disrupted the supply chain, while demand for medical supplies, food items, and even toilet paper require movement along the lonely roads of America.

As truck drivers transport items across the country on empty streets, how can they stay safe? What best practices should truckers follow? What opportunities for healthcare are currently available? In the content below, we provide a guide for truck drivers on staying safe during the current unprecedented pandemic.

The Coronavirus’ Unique Impact on Truckers

As the backbone of the supply chain, truckers are necessary to move vital supplies across the country. The Department of Transportation suspended some off-road break regulations, adjusting “hours of service” for drivers transporting emergency medical supplies. While demand increases, many state-operated truck stops, including lounges, restaurants, and fitness centers, have shut down. Thus, truck drivers are called upon for more and asked to work with fewer amenities.

The U.S. Xpress director of public affairs, Mary Danielson, rightly called faithful fleet drivers heroes. “They all understand,” she said, “that what they are doing is critical to the country. The majority are reporting to work and getting it done.”

Steps to Contain COVID-19 Spread

As many truck drivers step up and continue transporting freight, efforts to remain safe during the pandemic are ever important.

Of course, fighting to stay personally healthy as a truck driver is of utmost importance. According to Trucking Info, “drivers are uniquely situated to both help the country in its fight to contain the COVID-19 virus – or to facilitate its spread.” Staying healthy is critical for the driver’s personal health – and the health of countless others across the country. Few individuals carry the powerful potential to prevent the spread or promote the spread as much as truckers.

Standard Guidelines

As truckers, following these health guidelines are critical:

• If you feel sick, stay home.
• Wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds frequently.
• Sanitize surfaces touched frequently.
• Maintain adequate distance from people with respiratory symptoms.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth with tissues when you sneeze, and immediately discard used tissues.
• Wear masks and gloves

The founder of Konexial, Ken Evans, explains how serious trucker safety is:

Not just our company, but our entire nation, needs to be doing everything we can to protect truck drivers. We are at the point where truck drivers having PPE is just as important has healthcare workers in hospitals having that gear. These items are in short supply right now. But I am calling on fleets, the trucking industry, and the federal government to work together in a way to supply PPE to drivers. Simple, day-to-day items like masks, face protectors and gloves can play a major role in helping to contain the spread of this virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Beyond personal hygiene, understanding early onset symptoms of COVID-19 will help drivers identify the virus within themselves and take necessary measures. Early symptoms include:

• Sudden loss of smell; change in the way foods taste
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Severe symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Inability to get out of bed
• Bluish lips or face

As a truck driver, you should seek medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms. However, when hundreds of miles from a hospital, drivers face a unique challenge.

One excellent solution, Telemedicine, gives drivers the ability to call a physician anywhere in the country for virtual assistance. Of course, if a more serious medical emergency is taking place, drivers should always call 911.

Prevent Spread by Taking COVID-19 Seriously

Like the rest of the American public, truck drivers can stay safe and prevent spread by taking the virus seriously. Healthcare professionals share that the virus is easily transmittable, with the potential to overwhelm the healthcare system. Thus, ever since the virus entered the U.S., governments have been taking steps to prevent its rapid spread.

One doctor, Jonathan Wiesel, shared that the primary problem with the Coronavirus is its long latency. For example, one may be infected but wait to show symptoms for weeks. In light of the severity of COVID-19, Wiesel strongly suggested a practice of good personal hygiene – “make sure you prevent the spread of the infection to the extent that you can by not shaking hands, and washing your hands religiously and often.”

Testimonials from Truck Drivers Staying Safe During COVID-19

Nate McCarty from Denver, Colorado shared his experience as a truck driver during the COVID-19 pandemic with Fox News. He said he was just as busy as during the summertime; however, the kind of freight being carried is unique as grocery and Amazon deliveries increase dramatically. “Some of the truckload carriers,” Nate commented, “they’re running at capacity.”

Nate explained that many truck drivers have been away from home for months, feeling the need to help other companies and the country. Even though none of Nate’s co-workers were sick during the time of the interview, the cautious truck driver is still taking precautionary measures, like social distancing, to stay healthy while on the road.

“It’s made me a lot more aware of the place that I go on my trip and everything that I’m touching. I’ve always used antibacterial wipes on the truck and the hotel that I stay in,” he said, “and I wipe everything down on the room and now I’m wearing rubber gloves.”

Nate described his struggle in finding places to eat due to the increase in carryout-only restaurants. Despite the regular challenges faced on the road, the truck driver from Colorado described the comradery experienced between truckers, even greater now during this time of crisis. “The motoring public,” Nate continued, “had been expressing gratefulness as well, holding up thank-you signs, passing cards, and waving.”

Tony Spero of Connecticut agreed with Nate McCarty’s experience. He has been able to maintain his regular route despite additional safety measures. Tony shared, “We’re doing what we got to do to keep this country supplied. And we’re going to keep on doing it, and we’re going to do it as safe as possible.”

Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we are concerned for your trucking company and the safety of your fleet. During a time of global turmoil and unpleasant surprises, we offer consistent freight factoring services, providing you with the immediate cash you need.

To get in contact with our team, give us a call at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form.

Many people take on the role of a professional truck driver for their own reasons. Whether they need the income, or they just like driving, becoming a truck driver has many benefits. In the content below, we list out the top nine reasons you should become a truck driver.

1. Truckers Support the Economy

Drivers are the backbone of American commerce. Whether transporting food, lumber, or medical equipment, over 80% of the products Americans purchase are delivered by trucks. As a professional truck driver, you contribute to supporting the everyday lives of Americans.

2. Rewarding Income Potential

A great reason to become a truck driver pertains to the substantial income potential. In the trucking industry, a first-year truck driver earns an average annual salary of $35,000. Additionally, some companies may also offer signing bonuses, safe-driving bonuses, and raises the longer you stay with the company. As for trucking company owners and operators, you can receive an annual income of about $184,803.

3. Truck Driver Benefits

Although steady paychecks may attract you to the industry, truck drivers can also experience benefits packages from their employers. Benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, and performance pay.

Additionally, some trucking companies may pay for the miles their van drivers accrue and offer a paid percentage to flatbed drivers. For example, flatbed drivers could earn between 24-32% of what a customer pays your company. Furthermore, since it is incentive-based, drivers can earn a better payment percentage with a more efficient performance and satisfied client.

4. Job Security

When assessing the current unemployment rate, you could assume that many industries appear to be failing – except truck driving. No matter the state of the economy, America will always rely on truck drivers to deliver goods and transport necessary materials.

Truthfully, there are more trucking jobs in demand than there are available truckers to supply the need. Over the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that truck driving jobs may grow by five percent. Therefore, transportation companies are always looking for reliable, responsible, safe drivers.

5. Multiple Career Options

Perhaps you’ve been laid off from your current job. Maybe you are looking for a change of pace and ready to try something different. Regardless, professional truck driving proves to be a wonderful career and will provide you with excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

Advancement Opportunities

It is rare to find another industry that offers this kind of job security and quantity of career advancement opportunities. No matter where you live, it’s always possible to get a professional truck driving job. Even in the event you want to relocate, trucking proves to be a dependable career option. Below are just a few avenues in which you could advance your truck driving career.

• Trucking Company Executive
• Driver Manager
• Commercial Driving Instructor
• Recruiter
• Logistics Management
• Owner Operator

6. Easy Access to Training

Many individuals learn best through “hands-on” experience. During your Class A CDL training, you’ll receive lessons about road safety and effective truck driver procedures. These courses are available nationwide through numerous trucking companies, community colleges, and commercial motor vehicle programs.

Four Weeks vs Four Years

Because truck driving doesn’t require a college degree, you no longer need to worry about the cost of a college education. Often, a truck driver can complete the entire training in as little as four weeks. Some programs help with tuition assistance and job placement after graduation. Would you rather pay for four years of college or complete just four weeks of motor carrier safety training?

Affordable Training Rates

Depending on the license class you wish to obtain, trucking school fees range between $3,000 and $7,000. However, federal grants, loans, tuition reimbursement, and other financial aid are widely accessible to help pay for your CDL training.

If you cannot afford it, a trucking firm might offer to pay in exchange for your commitment to work for them. However, approval for driving programs is often based on your driving record, work history, and criminal background check.

7. Community

Many truckers describe their job as their lifestyle. No one truly understands what you experience every day on the job quite like another truck driver. Much like a military unit, commercial drivers form a closely connected community.

When beginning your new career as a professional truck driver, you’ll meet other trainees with the same goals in mind. Therefore, you’ll begin building a new community with your instructors and future coworkers.

8. Freedom from the Desk

Are you looking to break free from punching in, attending long meetings, answering emails, and dealing with office politics? One of the greatest reasons for becoming a truck driver is that you will never be stuck behind a desk! Prepare for meeting new people, seeing new things on a daily basis, experiencing a flexible schedule, and being your own boss.

Say Goodbye to the Office

No one likes having the boss constantly looking over your shoulder and watching that you complete your tasks and reporting. How does escaping the office sound? As a professional truck driver, you’ll only receive support from your team via phone or on-board dispatch.

Although, the career of a truck driver doesn’t free you from all accountability and responsibility. You must follow your company’s “hours of service” rules. However, you’re also in a position to set your own schedule and time spent driving.

What full-time desk job offers you that type of freedom? As a professional truck driver, your company will rely on you to complete the task at hand.

9. Travel Along the Open Road

How many jobs pay you to drive through scenic national parks, mountains, the countryside, tropics, and city skylines? Most truck drivers agree that the best views of the United States are from behind the wheel of their big rig. As a truck driver, you have a front-row view of the country, all from the comfort of your truck. Additionally, you can get paid to travel while listening to music or an audiobook and taking breaks whenever convenient.

Help Your Trucking Company Thrive with Advanced Capital Commercial

Have you recently started your own trucking company? At Advanced Commercial Capital, we are dedicated to helping your trucking company thrive. When dealing with the high demand for trucked deliveries, we tailor our solutions to the cash needs of the trucker.

We understand the unique needs and challenges trucking companies face. From paying for fuel to truck maintenance and payroll, it’s hard to wait on delinquent customer payments. To get in touch, contact us today at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form! We look forward to walking beside your company and watching it thrive.