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.