Covid-19 resources for Trucking

This is a very difficult time for these drivers being kept away from home. Companies have shut down and the amount of loads available for owner operators has drastically decreased. Many states have rest areas shut down, restaurants closed, nowhere to sit down and take a break on their down time, since drive thru is not an option for them, they really have to stock up on meals for the road. Roughly 18% of owner operators have made the choice to stay home with the loved ones so they’re not putting themselves or their family at risk, which is also causing them a financial struggle. If they have a loan out on their truck it’s a possibility that if they call the lender they can have their payments put on hold for the time being until business starts operating normally. However it is not loan forgiveness, it just gets put on hold and that is depending if lender will allow for that to happen. Some lenders might not approve it which forces the truck driver to work.

The individuals who are out on the road need national support for more test sites available that can test them quickly once they arrive home from their various destinations and interactions with people to ensure their safety. The next hurdle of this challenge is how we’re going to continue in the future, if we will provide these measures indefinitely; the cleaning procedures at rest areas, restaurants, gas stations, and all the frequently used areas by numerous individuals risking their lives for the benefit of all residents in the country. Young kids wanting a truck driver to honk their horn puts a smile on their face. If you see a truck driver on the road, give them a wave to show our appreciation for the work they’re doing for us.

COVID-19 Trucking Relief Emergency Declarations

• FMCSA March 18 Emergency Declaration
• FMCSA April 8 Emergency Declaration
• FMCSA FAQ on Emergency Declaration
• FMCSA FAQ on Emergency Declaration, Part 2
• FMCSA FAQ on Emergency Declaration, Part 3 (May 6)
• State COVID-19 Emergency Declarations
• FMCSA Statement on State and Local Shelter in Place and Other Restrictions on Movement Relating to COVID-19
• Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
• Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Emergency Declarations Portal (Added May 1, 2020)

More regulatory waivers and guidance

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
• DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy & Compliance Guidance (March 23)
• Waiver in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency – For states, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (March 24)
• Expanded Frequently Asked Questions for State Driver Licensing Agencies and Commercial Drivers Regarding Permissible Actions During the COVID-19 Emergency (April 13)
• Notice of Enforcement Discretion for State Driver Licensing Agencies on Driver License Records (April 17)
• FMCSA Distribution of Protective Masks for Truck Drivers (April 29)
• Voluntary Revocation of Operating Authority Registration Q&A (May 5)
• CDC: COVID-19 Critical Infrastructure Sector Response Planning (May 6)

Association Resources

• American Trucking Associations COVID-19 Update Hub
• Truckload Carriers Association Resource Hub
• California Trucking Association COVID-19 Information
• Illinois Trucking Association COVID-19 page
• Trucking Association of New York COVID-19 page
• Western States Trucking Association COVID-19 Updates and Quick Links
• American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (for information on state DMV closings, etc.)

Prevention and Health Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• CDC: What Mail and Parcel Delivery Drivers Need to Know about COVID-19
• CDC: Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
• CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (including make-your-own instructions)
• “Flattening the curve”: Why we need to cancel everything and stay home to help stop coronavirus (CBS)
• Driver-to-driver advice: Surviving COVID-19 and the Road’s Unhealthy Reality
• COVID-19 Projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
• Map showing spread of coronavirus: New York Times
• Map showing spread of coronavirus: Time Magazine
• Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard

Cab Cleaning

• Technology & Maintenance Council RP 443 on cab cleaning (not specific to Coronavirus), IN-CAB CLEANING AND DEODORIZING GUIDELINES
• Draft update of TMC RP 443 (not yet approved), offering vapor- and liquid-based cleaning methods

Other Resources

• FTR, a freight transportation research firm, has made free reports available at www.FTRintel.com/Coronavirus
• ACT Research COVID-19 Market Watch
• Franchise Restaurants Accommodating Truck Drivers
• Truckstops Accommodating Professional Drivers During the Pandemic (NATSO)