The trucking industry keeps stores stocked and production rolling, hauling more than 10 billion tons of freight each year. Across America, it’s our truck drivers who give us access to basic necessities.
As Americans clear grocery store shelves and more people need medical care, truck drivers are needed more than ever to put food on tables across the country and get supplies in the hands of medical professionals.
Relaxed Regulations
For drivers transporting food, testing supplies, medical equipment, masks, gloves, and other emergency necessities, FMCSA has relaxed hours of service, but drivers must continue to take the minimum 10-hour break after delivery. FMCSA is also temporarily waiving license renewals for drivers whose CDLs were valid on February 29, 2020 but expired on or after March 1, 2020. The waiver expires June 30, 2020.
Coronavirus Prevention
In the midst of COVID-19, drivers should take precautions as they travel, and follow the CDC’s guidelines for prevention.
Here are some safety tips for truck drivers:
- Practice social distancing. The CDC states that coronavirus is spread through person to person contact, and recommends maintaining a distance of six feet from other people. Stay inside your truck when you can and limit your in-person interactions with others.
- Sanitize your cab. Clean and disinfect your cab daily. The CDC recommends cleaning all frequently touched surfaces often. This includes your steering wheel, door handle, radio and cell phone.
- Wash your hands. Clean your hands frequently, especially after being in a public space. Be diligent about cleaning your hands after you cough or sneeze and before you eat. Drivers should carry hand sanitizer with them for when soap and water is not available.
- Pack food. Drivers are finding it more difficult to park and rest, as well as find food services. Cities and states continue to call for shelter in place and the temporary closing of non-essential businesses. While you may be able to find restaurants with carry out or curbside ordering, you’ll want to be prepared to cook small meals in your truck. At our Springfield, MO and Pittston, PA terminals, Prime is offering shelf stable items that can be cooked in the microwave for meals on the road.
Screening All Drivers
Prime is screening all drivers with a questionnaire to determine which drivers are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19. The questionnaire also asks about any symptoms or signs of respiratory illness, such as a dry cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or fever.
If you have symptoms, please:
- Notify your fleet manager. Contact your fleet manager immediately. Prime’s operations team is here to assist drivers if they begin to feel sick on the road.
- Contact your primary physician. Call your local physician, or visit www.livehealthonline.com for a health screening.
- Self-quarantine. Follow your physician’s recommendations. If you must self-quarantine, stay away from others, including family members.
We appreciate everything our drivers do, and we want you to be safe.
Contact us if you have questions or safety concerns. Thank you for continuing to help our communities.
Interested in driving for Prime? We’re one of the largest trucking companies in North America and are proud to say that we train and employ the best drivers in the industry.
