The Nation Archives

2020 Shell Rotella SuperRigs will be digital event due to COVID-19 crisis

The Trucker News Staff - April 22, 2020

FORT WORTH, Texas — The 2020 Shell Rotella SuperRigs will be held as a digital event because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to event sponsors. The 38th annual event was originally slated for June 4-6 as part of an IndyCar Series and NASCAR Truck Series weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway. “This was a difficult decision to make, but protecting the health and safety of truckers and our community is our highest priority,” organizers said. “Shell Rotella always appreciates hard-working truckers and the essential work they do every day, especially now during this critical time to transport essential goods across North America.” The Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition is a truck beauty contest that allows owner-operator truckers from across the U. S. and Canada to compete for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. Twelve drivers will be selected to have their trucks featured in the 2021 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. Details about the digital event will be published soon, along with plans for the production of the 2021 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. For more information visit Rotella.com.

ATRI data shows decline in April trucking operations due to stay-at-home orders

The Trucker News Staff - April 22, 2020

ATLANTA – The American Transportation Research Institute is releasing new data that quantifies the continued impacts of COVID-19 business disruptions on the trucking industry. ATRI’s latest analysis looked at truck activity across six states from February 9 through the most recent week ending April 18, by converting its real-time truck GPS dataset into a truck activity index. “The GPS data we use is a valuable tool into what is going on in the economy and the trucking industry right now,” said ATRI President and COO Rebecca Brewster. “We knew from talking to drivers and carrier executives that there were significant impacts on operations as a result of COVID-19, but now, by analyzing this data we are able to put numbers and data to feelings and anecdotes.” From early February into March, the data shows a spike in initial truck activity in the analyzed states – documenting the response to high consumer demand for items such as non-perishable food and paper products, as well as the much-needed emergency medical supplies. The analysis further documents the impacts of the stay-at-home orders that shut down major segments of the economy, with a resulting decline in April trucking operations. Of the six states analyzed, California had the earliest stay-at-home order issued on March 19. California also experienced the earliest upward spike in truck activity, occurring during the week of March 1. However, truck activity in California is now down 8.3% from early February. In Florida, Illinois and New York, truck activity spiked the week of March 8 but is now down on average by over 10% from February 9. In Pennsylvania and Washington, truck activity spiked during the week of March 15, but is now down by an average of nearly 9% from February 9. There are initial signs of a return to normal, however. In New York, one of the earliest states to experience high numbers of cases, truck activity started a positive uptick during the week of April 12. “In these unprecedented times, we need to rely on science and facts, not anecdotes and speculation. This ATRI research is able to tell us in near-real-time what the pandemic is really doing to the trucking industry,” said American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello.

Pilot Co. takes steps to protect against COVID-19; donates $100k to St. Christopher Truckers Fund

The Trucker News Staff - April 21, 2020

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In an effort to protect both customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pilot Co. has implemented enhanced safety measures at the company’s network of 780 Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the country. Starting this week, acrylic sneeze guards will be installed at diesel desks and other payment points at all locations. In addition, store team members will be equipped with reusable and washable cotton masks; all team members have been trained on proper wear and care for the masks, including washing their hands and masks after every use. In addition, Pilot Co. is working to ensure the travel stops’ shelves are stocked with hand sanitizer, and the teams hope to soon have face masks available for purchase. “To all professional drivers working tirelessly to deliver medical supplies, food and other essentials to those across North America: Thank you. Without you, our hospitals, grocery stores, factories and many other businesses would not have what they need to aid in the fight against COVID-19,” said Jimmy Haslam, CEO of Pilot Co. “For the health and safety of our guests and team members, we are taking extra precautions to ensure we continue to have the food, fuel and resources you need to safely do your job and keep the supply chain moving,” he continued. “Our team is here for you, and we will get through this together.” To further support professional drivers during this challenging time, especially those who cannot work due to illness or injury, Pilot Company has contributed $100,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) to help professional drivers in times of need, and especially during the COVID-19 crisis. “Our country depends on professional drivers to keep our economy moving every day,” Haslam said. “When professional drivers are in need, we want them to know they can depend on the help provided by the St. Christopher Fund. We must work together as an industry to ensure drivers have the resources they need to safely do their jobs, support their families and keep the supply chain moving,” he said. “Despite these difficult and uncertain times, professional drivers continue to go above and beyond, and we are honored to do our part in supporting them with this donation.” SCF is a nonprofit organization that aids professional drivers and their families who are out of work due to a recent illness or injury, the instances of which could increase as a result of the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance from SCF may be in the form of direct payment to providers for household living expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments and insurance. The fund also provides health and wellness programs for drivers, such as free vaccinations and smoking cessation assistance, with the aim toward preventing some medical illnesses and negative effects. Pilot Co. has partnered with SCF since 2015. “Thank you, Pilot Co., for your generous and continued support of St. Christopher Fund,” said Shannon Currier, SCF director of philanthropy and development. “Professional drivers are facing this virus head-on as they crisscross the country delivering the essential supplies all Americans need, and this donation will help ensure that SCF will be there for our highway heroes when they need us most.” Truckers in need of assistance from SCF can apply at truckersfund.org/application. To donate to SCF’s mission of supporting truckers and their families in financial need, visit truckersfund.org/donate or contact Shannon Currier at [email protected]

Several states clarify, extend COVID-19 truck-weight waivers

The Trucker News Staff - April 20, 2020

Several states are issuing, clarifying, and in some cases extending a variety of temporary truck weight waivers in support of national COVID-19 relief and prevention efforts. On April 13, the California Department of Transportation announced it would issue temporary special permits for overweight trucks transporting COVID-19 emergency supplies as part of the recent State of Emergency declaration issued by Governor Gavin Newsom in early March and subsequent activation of the federal Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act. “Authorizing these special exceptions clears a path for greater volumes of material vital in the fight against COVID-19,” noted Toks Omishakin, Caltrans director, in a statement. “Emergency medical supplies and equipment, groceries, perishable items, water and countless other essential items will now reach their destinations more rapidly than they did before, at a time when people need them most.” The agency said it will issue permits for overweight trucks on the state highway system and will help support transportation operators in obtaining permits from local agencies for local roads. These permits increase the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight from 80,000 to 88,000 pounds and will be valid until further notice, Caltrans added. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a similar order on April 8, allowing a temporary increase in the maximum weight limit for commercial trucks on certain interstate highways and toll roads from 80,000 pounds to 92,000 pounds for vehicles transporting COVID-19 relief supplies. “Consistently improving our supply chain for COVID-19 relief supplies, including PPE [personal protective equipment], ventilators, and testing kits, is one of our highest priorities,” said Gov. Murphy in a statement. “Increasing the weight limit for vehicles carrying these critical supplies is a necessary step that will allow more supplies to reach [those] in need.” “Getting needed COVID-19 relief supplies where they are needed is critically important to saving lives,” added Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, the New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner. “Increasing the maximum weight limit on vehicles carrying these supplies will help ensure that needed supplies get to the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and everyone fighting this pandemic as quickly as possible,” she said. “Increasing the weight carried by trucks creates efficiencies in moving goods while addressing the reduced number of drivers as a result of the virus.” Meanwhile, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet extended until June 1 an existing emergency order that temporarily lifts regulatory restrictions on motor carriers delivering goods and services critical to COVID-19 pandemic relief. That order applies to vehicles engaged in response to the pandemic, temporarily relieving commercial truck drivers from maximum driving times and weigh station stops. It also authorizes the KYTC’s Department of Vehicle Regulation to waive permit fees for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles. The order is in keeping with the declaration of an emergency by Governor Andy Beshear as part of a “sweeping effort” to protect Kentuckians and combat the spread of COVID-19, noted Jim Gray, KYTC’s secretary. “We’re pleased to play a part in ensuring needed supplies get to Kentuckians and neighboring states as quickly as possible in the interest of public health and safety,” he said in a statement. The Oregon Department of Transportation, however, took a moment to clarify truck weight exemptions on April 13 issued as part of the state’s Emergency Declaration back on March 8. The agency said that on all interstates and state highways, while commercial trucks may exceed legal gross weight up to 105,500 pounds, they must still comply with legal weight limits of 20,000 pounds for single axles and 34,000 lbs. for tandem axles. The Oregon DOT added that the weight exemptions only apply to trucks transporting items deemed necessary per the expanded Emergency Declaration issued by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on March 18. Editor’s note: This story was published in The Journal, the official publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, on April 17.

NYC opens temporary overnight parking for truckers hauling essential products for COVID-19 relief

The Trucker News Staff - April 20, 2020

NEW YORK CITY – The New York City Department of Transportation has opened two temporary overnight parking locations to assist drivers hauling COVID-19 relief and essential products. The rest areas are located in Hunts Point and Staten Island. To help truckers safely meet Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMSCA) mandatory rest periods, the city has established the temporary rest areas at two strategic freight hubs. Each area will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for rest periods during the day or overnight, with bathrooms, mobile lights, trash cans and security patrol. Below are details about each location. Drivers should keep their vehicles secure, as the City is not responsible for any stolen items. BRONX 1400 Viele Ave., Hunts Point Food Distribution Center Entrance on Halleck Street between the Produce Market and Baldor Foods Capacity: 55 trucks STATEN ISLAND North Washington Avenue Global Container Terminal On westbound I-278, take Exit 3 (Western Avenue) and continue west, following signs to rest stop. From eastbound I-278, take Exit 4 (Forest Avenue) and follow signs to rest stop. Capacity: 25 trucks

TA furloughs 2,900 field employees; stores remain open for essential services

The Trucker News Staff - April 20, 2020

WESTLAKE, Ohio – TravelCenters of America Inc. announced on Friday, April 17 that primarily as a result of its full-service restaurant closures, TA has made the decision to furlough approximately 2,900 field employees, as well as approximately 122 corporate employees. “This decision was very difficult, but these are unprecedented times. We believe this step is necessary to preserve the long-term success of our company and to ensure our essential services remain available for the millions of professional drivers who rely on us daily,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of TA. All furloughed employees currently enrolled in TA’s benefits programs will continue to be eligible for health care coverage based on their plan. Impacted employees are eligible to apply for enhanced unemployment benefits under the CARES Act. COVID-19 has caused many state and local governments to close or severely limit non-essential services, including full-service restaurants. In addition, broader stay-at-home orders and an overall decrease in consumer demand has significantly and adversely affected TA’s full-service restaurant business. Currently, all TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express travel centers remain open, providing essential services to drivers across the nation with fuel, showers, restrooms, quick-serve restaurants, and convenience stores. Employees continue to take precautionary measures consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to minimize the spread of coronavirus, including social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols.

Trailer-lot company now offers overnight, monthly parking for commercial trucks

The Trucker News Staff - April 20, 2020

HOUSTON — Commercial truck drivers now have a new option for safe overnight parking in Houston, and the service is expected to soon expand into other areas. Last week, Secure Trailer Lots Inc., a Houston-based company that offers yearly leases for commercial truck parking, announced that overnight and monthly parking are now available at its Houston location. “All you have to do is ask drivers that are reserving space at our Houston location where there is overnight parking in Houston and they respond, ‘There is none!’” said Doug Chappelear, owner of Secure Trailer Lots. Houston is recognized by the transportation industry as a “truck-parking-crisis” zone. In February, the Texas Department of Transportation’s Truck Parking Inventory and Utilization Memo noted that the Interstate 10 corridor provides 5,772 truck-parking spaces. However, the total daily demand is 9,860 truck-parking spaces, leaving a gap of more than needed 4,000 truck-parking spaces. Chappelear said the federal government’s changes to hours a driver can be behind the wheel and mandatory rest breaks has caused unexpected stress of drivers searching for safe parking in high-density metropolitan areas of the country, particularly in Texas. Without safe, secure parking facilities for drivers, a safety concern becomes a critical issue not only for truck drivers but for the traveling public as well, he continued. Recent surveys by the American Transportation Research Institute show that the average over-the-road driver spends more than an hour each day searching for overnight parking. This translates into $5,000 a year in lost revenue for a single over-the-road driver. Take $5,000 per driver per year, with 48% of 1.9 million long-haul truck drivers losing one hour of driving time, this number translates into almost $5 billion per year — 0.5% of the total transportation cost across the United States. “Texas has made solutions to our truck-parking challenges a priority,” said John Esparza, President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association. “Working hard to solve this issue will not be possible without the private sector, and Truck Parking Reservations will play a big role.” Truck Parking Reservations, formerly known as Reserve 24-7, provides truck drivers, truck managers and trucking-company owners an easy-to-use parking reservation and pay experience, and provides owners of parking facilities a low-cost reservation-management solution. Chappelear said Secure Trailer Lots’ Houston yard is the first of many sites for which the company plans to implement online truck-parking reservations. “Providing overnight parking would not have been a service offering of Secure Trailer Lots in the past,” he said. “However, with the simplicity of Truck Parking Reservations’ mobile-ready platform, it was an easy decision for me to enhance our services to include overnight parking.” Founded in 2006, Secure Trailer Lots started with three yards along the Texas/Mexico border and has expanded into 40 cities in 21 states. Each lot provides local and regional drivers with a place to park their equipment during off-duty times.

The Trucker News Channel – Masks for truckers entering Canada

The Trucker News Staff - April 20, 2020

In this episode we cover… – Canada requires truckers wear masks when crossing border – Trucking execs named to White House economic group – A new trailer sharing app – Cummins produces PPE

ATA joins President Trump in recognizing nation’s truck drivers at White House

The Trucker News Staff - April 17, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. — On Thursday (April 16), American Trucking Associations joined President Donald Trump at an event on the White House lawn to recognize the critical role the nation’s truck drivers play in America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the event, Trump and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao lauded truckers as heroes for their efforts during the crisis. “In the war against the virus, America’s truckers are really the foot soldiers that are carrying us to victory,” Trump said. “Truckers are playing a critical role in vanquishing the virus, and they will be just as important as we work to get our economic engine roaring.” Several professional drivers were invited to the podium to share personal stories of delivering critical goods during the pandemic, from hand sanitizer to medical supplies. “As a professional driver, I am proud to stand here representing my fellow drivers out there doing the important work of delivering for America,’ said Stephen Richardson, a driver with Triple G Express in Shelbyville, Tennessee. “I am proud to be a truck driver, and I am especially proud of the work all of the drivers are doing now in response to this crisis.” In addition to Richardson, Charlton Paul of UPS Freight, Chester in New York and Tina Peterson of FedEx Ground/Ravenwood Transport in Blaine, Minnesota, spoke of their experiences, and received a gold key from Trump, which he called an expression of thanks for their essential work. A truck from ATA-member FedEx Ground and the ATA’s image truck, Interstate One, served as a backdrop for the President’s remarks. “President Trump is absolutely correct in calling America’s truck drivers ‘the lifeblood of our economy.’ As he said, they truly are ‘brave, bold and incredible’ heroes,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “We thank the president and Secretary Chao for recognizing these drivers, who are touching the lives of Americans in a very tangible way, and for appreciating the hard work and sacrifice these men and women are making to deliver shipments of food, medicine and other crucial supplies to the frontlines of the fight against this virus.”

Truckers, other essential workers must wear protective face covering when crossing border into Canada

The Trucker News Staff - April 17, 2020

TORONTO — Essential workers must wear a protective face covering when crossing the border from the United States to Canada, according to a notice released April 15 by the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). The release states that the CTA has been informed by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is directing the agency, effective immediately, to implement a policy requiring all essential workers crossing the border to wear a nonmedical mask or face covering and to provide drivers with a mask should they not have one. In a conversation with a spokesperson for CBSA, CTA was told that no drivers will be turned away from entering Canada as a result of this policy and that the border-services agency will attempt to provide drivers with a mask should they not have one. Health Canada offers guidance regarding nonmedical face coverings. Because nonmedical masks offer limited protection, the agency offers the following and other notations (to view all guidance, click here): Wearing a nonmedical mask is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you (in situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain given recent evidence related to transmission from persons who are pre-symptomatic or have no symptoms). Wearing a nonmedical mask is another way to cover your mouth and nose to prevent your respiratory droplets from contaminating others or landing on surfaces. Just like our recommendation not to cough into your hands (instead, cover your cough with tissues or your sleeve) a mask can reduce the chance that others are coming into contact with your respiratory droplets. If you choose to use a non-medical face mask: 1) You must wash your hands immediately before putting it on and immediately after taking it off (in addition to practicing good hand hygiene while wearing it); 2) It should fit well (non-gaping); and 3) You should not share it with others. CTA noted that the agency will work with CBSA and PHAC to specifically define which appropriate face coverings will satisfy the policy.

Arizona, Idaho join list of states allowing food trucks to operate at rest stops to feed truckers

The Trucker News Staff - April 16, 2020

Since the Federal Highway Administration issued a notice April 3 allowing states to issue permits for food trucks to operate at rest areas earlier this month, several states, including Arkansas, Florida, Ohio and West Virginia, have jumped at the chance to provide easily accessible food for truck drivers. Add to that list Arizona and Idaho. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order April 15 that allows food trucks to operate at eight state department of transportation rest stops. “We want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to support the truck drivers who are working long ours to keep our grocery stores stocked and our medical professionals equipped,” Ducey said. “(This) order will allow long-haul truck drivers to buy nutritious food during their trips, and will help increase business for food trucks.” Food trucks may now operate at the following rest areas: Interstate 17: Sunset Point and Christiansen; Interstate 40: Haviland, Parks and Meteor Crater; and Interstate 10: Ehrenberg, Burnt Wells and Sacaton. Also on April 15, the Idaho Transportation Department announced an emergency exemption that will allow food trucks to operate at rest areas and serve truck drivers and other essential travelers. “We heard truck drivers were having difficulty finding hot meals with the restrictions placed on nonessential businesses during the stay-at-home order, said Nestor Fernandez, the department’s mobility services engineer. “Our goal is to support them as best we can during this pandemic, especially long-haul drivers delivering goods across the U.S.” Food trucks will be permitted at rest areas around the state, with up to twovendors allowed at each site. Food trucks are not permitted at rest areas that already offer food services and are under public-private management. “These temporary services are targeted at truck drivers and other essential travelers. We don’t want to attract crowds,” Fernandez said, adding that vendors will be advised to follow health guidelines.

President Trump delivers remarks celebrating America’s truckers

The Trucker News Staff - April 16, 2020

President Trump delivers remarks celebrating America’s truckers

Trucking industry leaders named to White House Economic Revival Group

The Trucker News Staff - April 15, 2020

WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump has announced a group of executives, economists, scholars and industry leaders who together will form various Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups. Among transportation leaders named to the group is American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. This initiative is convening bipartisan groups of industry leaders from across all sectors of the U.S. economy. These groups will work with the White House to chart the path forward for the economy as it rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am honored to serve our President and the nation in this capacity, representing the trucking industry and joining four ATA member company CEOs, to bridge this crisis to a safe, speedy and full recovery,” said Spear. “Just as they have during the mitigation and response efforts, truckers will be at the forefront as we revive our economy’s engine and get our country moving again. No industry will be more vital, and we embrace the opportunity to play a leading role in this national effort.” The following trucking CEOs were also named to the administration’s transportation group: Fred Smith, FedEx David Abney, UPS John Roberts III, J.B. Hunt Darren Hawkins, YRC Worldwide Trucking is the central link in the United States’ supply chain, moving more than 70 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage. More than 80% of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking for delivery of their goods and commodities. In 2018, the trucking industry hauled 11.49 billion tons of the nation’s goods. Throughout the mitigation and response phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, truckers continue to serve on the frontlines, delivering food, PPE, medicine and other essential supplies to meet the needs of medical professionals, first responders and the American people.

OOIDA asks retailers, Congress to help solve challenges of owner-operators during crisis

The Trucker News Staff - April 15, 2020

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is reaching out to both big box retailers and Congress to help resolve what OOIDA is calling challenges for owner-operators in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Those challenges include obstacles truckers face on the road and concerns expressed by members about their experience with the new Small Business Administration loan programs that OOIDA said are supposed to help owner-operators remain viable through the health crisis. In a letter sent Tuesday, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh told the retailers — among them Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens — that OOIDA was receiving several hundred calls daily from drivers who are unable to buy essential supplies to protect themselves from COVID-19, including paper towels, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, all of which he noted are nearly impossible to find currently. “The irony is that truckers are hauling these supplies, but they are unable to actually buy them,” Pugh said, adding he would like the retailers to make these items available to truck drivers for purchase or through donations. He also asked the retailers to give drivers permission to use rest room facilities when they are delivering freight to warehouses and retail business locations. “Truckers are on the front lines of the supply chain,” Pugh said. “If they get sick, the supply chain will be disrupted more than it already is, which is precisely why it is important to support them as much as reasonably possible.” In a Tuesday letter to several members of Congress who are in positions of leadership, OOIDA President and CEO Todd Spencer said SBA programs that are supposed to help owner-operators get through the coronavirus emergency were exhibiting a combination of negative factors — including a lack of clear guidance from the agencies and lenders — that has left many feeling shut out or shortchanged. “We are urging Congress to make sure that these issues are addressed as they consider future changes to the program,” Spencer said. “We also have concerns that lenders may overlook applications for these smaller loans because there isn’t much financial incentive to process them.” Spencer said the public’s perception of the state of trucking during the crisis is misguided. “While news reports may give the impression that business for truckers is booming, the underlying data and feedback from our members paint a much different picture,” he said. “Outside of an initial spike in demand for delivering groceries and other essentials, most truckers transporting in other segments of the economy have seen a significant drop in business. And as Americans realize there is plenty of food in our supply chain and panic buying subsides, we are seeing rates drop across the industry.” Spencer also challenged the SBA’s guidance in awarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. “Sole-proprietors applying for a PPP loan are reporting that they must use their net income to calculate their maximum loan eligibility,” he said. “Since any good business knows to deduct as much as possible to limit net income, these sole-proprietors are unable to use the PPP loans.” To read the entire letter to retailers, click here. Truck driver Camilo Diaz of Miami wears a mask after parking his rig at the Flying J Truck Stop April 11. The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association has reached out to major retailers and Congress to help resolve challenges facing independent contractors during the COVID-19 crisis. (Associated Press)

Cummins partners with 3M to produce PPE components in response to COVID-19 pandemic

The Trucker News Staff - April 15, 2020

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins has reached an agreement with 3M to manufacture high-efficiency particulate filters for use in 3M’s Powered Air Purifying Respirators, or PAPRs. Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) are an important piece of equipment for front-line health care workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. PAPRs use a battery-powered blower that sends filtered air into a hood or head top that covers the wearer’s head or face. The devices can provide increased levels of respiratory protection, especially for critical health care situations such as aerosol-generating procedures. PAPRs may also be more comfortable to wear for those who need respiratory protection for long periods of time. The partnership has the potential to more than double the current production of filters for 3M’s PAPRs. The additional filters are needed as 3M has ramped up production of PAPRs to meet a surge in demand for personal protective equipment due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “Cummins has been striving to find ways to help during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO of Cummins. “Working with 3M, we discovered our technologies and manufacturing expertise could be relevant as we partner in new ways to help protect health care professionals.” Cummins will use existing manpower and equipment at its Neillsville, Wisconsin, facility to pleat the media, assemble it into cartridge housings and do final testing before shipping the filters to Valley, Nebraska, where 3M’s PAPRs are manufactured. Production of the filters at Cummins’ Neillsville location is expected to begin by the end of April. “3M continues to work around the clock to get personal protective equipment, including PAPRs, to the heroic health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight,” said Mike Roman, 3M chairman of the board and CEO. “Our partnership with Cummins will help us produce more of this critical equipment in the coming months.” Cummins’ filtration business designs, manufactures and sells air, fuel, hydraulic and lube filtration, as well as chemical technology products for diesel- and gas-powered equipment around the world.

Averitt provides masks to more than 5,000 drivers and frontline associates

The Trucker News Staff - April 14, 2020

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Averitt Express has begun distributing protective face masks to more than 5,000 of its associates. Drivers, dock workers and other frontline associates that handle freight will be provided multiple masks to assist in reducing the potential to contract or spread the novel coronavirus. “Ensuring the safety of our associates on and off the road has always been the first concern of our team,” said Wayne Spain, Averitt’s president and chief operating officer. “While the recommended use or requirement to wear face masks has been subject to authorities at local and state levels, we’ve decided it’s in the best interest of our associates, customers and the communities we serve to take a proactive stance.” Aside from providing face masks, Averitt has taken several other steps to help protect its frontline associates in facilities and on the road. Drivers, for example, are routinely provided with hand sanitizers, proper sanitizing wipes and other disinfectants to be used while making pickups and deliveries. Another new challenge that long-haul drivers have been particularly impacted by is the ability to find a meal while on the road. To help accommodate its drivers, Averitt has made free boxed lunches and snacks available at its service centers. Additionally, Averitt has provided its drivers with access to driver-support specialists for several years. Stationed at many of its high-traffic service centers, these associates assist drivers with any challenges, questions or needs they may have. “The day-to-day work environment and hours of professional drivers don’t always afford quick access to assistance that traditional workers are accustomed to,” said Spain. “Having our driver support specialists available to our men and women behind the wheel is just one of several steps we’ve taken over the years to help improve life on the road for them.” With many manufacturers and businesses making changes to their operations as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Averitt has also taken steps to accommodate the developing needs of its shippers. For instance, weekend truckload services have been made available in several key markets. This initiative has also made it possible for many drivers to gain access to additional miles. “This is a challenging time for our nation and the men and women who help to keep its supply chains moving,” said Spain. “We will eventually come out of this stronger. In the meantime, we will continue to serve and uplift our professional drivers and those on the frontlines.”

West Virginia sets guidelines for food trucks at rest stops

The Associated Press - April 14, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways has set guidelines for food trucks at rest areas as a temporary measure to help truck drivers, who are having difficulty finding food to eat during the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. “Allowing food trucks at our rest areas keeps them from having to leave the interstate to look for something to eat. In our small towns, with the size of the trucks, that can be very difficult,” said Division of Highways Operations Division Director Jacob Bumgarner. Food trucks will be limited to two per rest area and will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, the agency said in a statement. The Randolph Sheppard Program will continue to offer snacks in vending machines at the rest areas. Food-truck applications are available on the Department of Highways website.

Trucker rescued as semi hangs from bridge over Elizabeth River

The Trucker News Staff - April 13, 2020

First responders free a driver of a tractor-trailer after the vehicle crashed into the wall of a bridge in Chesapeake early Monday morning. The tractor-trailer struck the bridge wall and the impact of the crash was so strong, it left the tractor-trailer partially dangling off the right side of the bridge. Chesapeake firefighter Justin Beazley, a member of the technical rescue team, rappelled off the side of the I-64 Highrise Bridge to rescue the driver of a tractor-trailer that jackknifed, hanging 70 feet over the Elizabeth River. Authorities said the driver was alert at the time they helped free him. He was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. Photo credit: Chesapeake Fire Department Video courtesy: Sam Erwin

Face coverings, other safety measures required in New Jersey retail businesses, warehouses

The Trucker News Staff - April 13, 2020

TRENTON, N.J. — Customers and employees at New Jersey retail businesses and essential industries must wear a cloth face covering while on the premises, according to an executive order signed last week by Gov. Phil Murphey. These measures, along with other steps outlined in the order are designed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses covered by the order include grocery and convenient stores, warehouses and manufacturing facilities, among others. In addition to requiring cloth face masks, the order states that retail businesses must take measures such as limiting occupancy to 50 percent of the building’s stated maximum capacity, installing physical barriers such as shield guards between customers and cashiers whenever possible, providing sanitization products such as hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to customers and employees, to name a few. Warehousing, manufacturing and essential construction businesses have a similar list of requirements in addition to cloth face coverings, including: Prohibit nonessential visitors from entering the worksite. Require individuals to maintain six feet or more distance between them whenever possible. Restrict the number of individuals who can access common areas, such as restrooms and breakrooms, concurrently. Provide sanitization materials such as hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to workers and visitors. Require frequent sanitization of high-touch areas such as restrooms, breakrooms, equipment and machinery. The order, signed April 8, went into effect April 10 and will continue until revoked by the governor. To view a summary of the requirements on the New Jersey state website, click here.

FHWA grants states broad emergency truck weight permitting leeway

The Trucker News Staff - April 13, 2020

WASHINGTON — The Federal Highway Administration is providing state departments of transportation with broad truck-weight permitting leeway for shipments of emergency supplies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Although Congress has not provided authority allowing states to waive weight restrictions on the interstate system during national emergencies or major disasters, states may currently provide special permits to vehicles carrying relief supplies in response to the COVID-19 emergency,” noted Nicole Nason, FHWA administrator, in a letter to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials on April 7. “This requirement does not mandate that permits be limited by vehicle,” Nason added. “As such, states could issue permits based on identified routes that can safely handle defined overweight loads in accordance with bridge and tunnel requirements.” The FHWA’s directive mirrors a request made by AASHTO in a letter to Congressional leadership on March 18. “By allowing state DOTs to establish temporary maximum weights under this waiver that accounts for bridge capacities on their highway system, this action will greatly aid in timely interstate transportation of urgently needed medical supply and essential goods such as food and water to address the COVID-19 outbreaks,” the organization noted. Editor’s note: This story was published in The Journal, the official publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, on April 10.