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at our locations. Additionally, we’ve
removed self-serve condiment stations
and are offering pre-packaged condi-
ments. We are also asking customers to THE BIGGEST ISSUE OUR CARRIERS ARE RUNNING
use a new, disposable Love’s cup to get a INTO AS IT RELATES TO DRIVER HEALTH IS THE
drink or refill,” Campbell said.
Similarly, the Pilot Flying J website INABILITY TO GET GLOVES, MASKS AND HAND
promises that truckers will still be able SANITIZER FOR THEIR DRIVERS AND TECHNICIANS.
to get carry out from their restaurants, WHILE THERE ARE PLACES THAT HAVE THEM, THEY
and has provided hands-free options
for many routine tasks through their ARE SELLING/DONATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS
app. “The app allows drivers to practice AND NOT NECESSARILY CONSIDERING THAT DURING
social distancing and healthy hygiene by THIS TIME PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS ARE ALSO ON
using the mobile pay feature to reduce THE FRONT LINES AND POTENTIALLY EXPOSING
pin pad touches, reserve showers and
receive notifications when their shower THEMSELVES TO THE VIRUS AS WELL.
is ready - as well as share receipts to
reduce use of the in-store driver kiosk.” — KENDRA HEMS, PRESIDENT,
Even as some states reach their TRUCKING ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
peak with the virus, these are not likely
the last changes truckers and the truck-
ing industry will see in the coming
weeks or months. this is to have redundancy at key posi- “This industry has always oper-
tions, so that more than one person ated at the steady hands of professional
PANDEMIC PLAYBOOK knows how to manage the dispatch truck drivers,” said Arkansas Trucking
It may look like COVID-19 took calls or disperse the checks. In the Association President Shannon Newton.
the world by the surprise, but plans early stages, if employees who feel sick “They are often among first-responders
exist to help everyone manage this are encouraged to stay home instead of to chaos like hurricanes, floods, fires,
pandemic. A pandemic has always been forcing themselves to work, that per- tornadoes. And in this event, they are
a matter of when, not if. In 2006, the centage drops and the strain on com- allowing health care professionals to
Department of Homeland Security panies reduces. continuously work toward treatments
developed the Implementation Plan The report also says the demands and vaccines. They are keeping the
for the National Strategy for Pandemic on the trucking industry will vary based shelves stocked to allow others to do
Influenza, which gives some insight on the stage of the pandemic. According their part by staying home to prevent
and suggestions for what to expect. It to the report, “At the beginning of the the spread of more illness.”
identifies trucking and transportation pandemic, there will also be requests “We are so proud of the work truck
as one of 13 critical elements of infra- to move emergency workers, equipment drivers are doing for our entire coun-
structure that must be prioritized dur- and resources. As the disease spreads to try to stay safe,” said Newton. “I want
ing an outbreak. Among the strategies multiple urban areas, emergency trans- these smart, vigilant and capable drivers
it names, are the need to keep borders portation of supplies and personnel to take every precaution and pay atten-
open for trade, even after closing them could decrease because resources will be tion to their own physical and mental
for leisure or non-essential travel. This needed locally. There is a need to exam- health because just like the nurses and
is already the case with the Canadian ine critical junctures where the increase doctors who are attending to the sick,
and Mexican borders, and to a lesser in demand for essential commodities drivers are heroes we are depending on
extent, with interstate travel. and emergency services intersect with right now.”
The report tells companies to a large reduction in workforce due to During one of the governor’s daily
develop a Continuity of Operations absenteeism. Identifying these junctures broadcast briefings related to the coro-
plan based on the expectation that will enable the sector to focus prepared- navirus, Dr. Nate Smith, director of
40% of their employees may be absent ness efforts on areas of the transpor- the Arkansas Department of Health
at any given time. This doesn’t mean tation system that will be under the said this is the time for people to be
that 40% of employees will contract greatest strain during a pandemic.” the healthiest version of themselves as
the virus, but that employees may need One of the greatest assets to means for bolstering their immune sys-
to stay home to care for loved ones Arkansas and the country during this tems. And, he reminded everyone, keep
who do. The best way to prepare for pandemic is a healthy truck driver. washing your hands. ATR

ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 2 2020 25