The Nation Archives

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.

Interstate 70 lane closures in Indianapolis begin; detours recommended

The Associated Press - April 13, 2020

INDIANAPOLIS — State highway officials are closing a portion of Interstate 70 in Indianapolis to tackle roadwork during the drop in traffic that followed Indiana’s stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Indiana Department of Transportation will close eastbound I-70 on Monday between the highway’s North Split with Interstate 65 near downtown Indianapolis to Interstate 465 on the city’s east side. All eastbound lanes and ramps are scheduled to reopen May 13. INDOT will also close westbound lanes of I-70 on April 23 between the North Split with I-65 and I-465. All westbound lanes and ramps are scheduled to reopen on May 23. INDOT is recommending a variety of detours for travelers during the closures, depending on which direction they are traveling through Indianapolis. The state agency said that traffic in Indianapolis is down about 40%, on average, compared with the week before Gov. Eric Holcomb issued a stay-at-home order for all but essential workers. The governor has extended that order through at least April 20 to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Many of the Indianapolis area’s large events and conventions have also been moved to late summer or early fall because of the pandemic. INDOT said that it and contractor Milestone Contractors opted to accelerate planned construction on I-70 to allow for work to be done before those major events resume. The agency said the I-70 closures are being used to ensure worker safety, reduce overall construction time and maximize taxpayer dollars.

UPDATE: Truckers now exempt from Utah’s travel-form requirement

The Associated Press - April 10, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY — As coronavirus deaths increase, Utah officials started using an emergency alert system Friday, April 10, to send text messages to drivers entering the state, asking them to report any virus symptoms and a recent travel history. Initially, the executive order enacting this plan included commercial vehicle drivers. The state has now declared truck drivers exempt from the system. Hundreds of thousands of truckers enter the state each day carrying essential supplies for grocery stores and medical facilities. Paul Enos, CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association, said the system could interrupt interstate trips and be invasive to drivers who sometimes travel through multiple states a day. Utah officials have said they aren’t punishing people who don’t fill out the online form. “We don’t want to do anything to inhibit commerce … especially right now with our supply-chain issues,” Utah Public Safety Commissioner Jess Anderson said. At the time of this report, truckers were still expected to receive the message and there were no immediate plans to change the wording on the form to list the exemptions, which also included police, border residents, and airline personnel and passengers. The program went into effect as the number of coronavirus deaths in Utah rose by four, to 17. The latest victims were all men over 60, and two were nursing home residents in Salt Lake County. The total number of virus cases topped 2,000 in Utah.

Army and Air Force Exchange keeps drivers safe, informed during COVID-19 crisis

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2020

DALLAS — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is making sure all associates have up-to-date information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including associates who are on the road. The Exchange’s logistics department uses software from PeopleNet to communicate directly with its roughly 160 truck drivers throughout the continental United States to keep them safe and informed as the situation changes and develops. “Most recently, we shared with our drivers the updated tips from human resources for preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Exchange Logistics Business System Analyst Billy Shirley. “The Exchange is mission-essential, and it’s important we keep serving the military community while also protecting our associates.” All Continental/Contiguous United States (CONUS) truck drivers have tablets that record vehicle data and information. Those tablets can send and receive messages, too. Exchange leaders can send messages from anywhere in the world to all CONUS drivers, a specific driver or a group of drivers at a specific terminal. The drivers can either select the audio option to have the message read aloud to them or they can wait until their next stop to read it. The Exchange implemented the system in 2017, and it has proved helpful, particularly during hurricane season and accident-reconstruction efforts. The software can also share real-time information such as updates on installation gate requirements, changes in store operating times or installation closures. “The software shows us a map of where every one of our drivers is in the U.S. When we see bad weather coming in, we can communicate directly with drivers to reroute them and keep them out of harm’s way,” Shirley said. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re using the software to make sure our drivers have the information they need to protect themselves while they continue to deliver critical items to the military community.” Editor’s note: This story, written by Marisa Conner, was published in the Exchange Newsroom, a news website operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange service, on April 8.

Truck drives into North Platte River in Wyoming; driver fatigue thought to be cause

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2020

SINCLAIR, Wyo. — A commercial truck was removed from the North Platte River in Sinclair, Wyoming, this week after the vehicle exited a roadway, traveled down an embankment and came to a stop in the river. The accident happened around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, near milepost 229 on Interstate 80 east of Sinclair, Wyoming. The driver of the 2017 Freightliner commercial truck failed to maintain his lane after falling asleep, according to a release from the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Carbon County Search and Rescue used its boat to assist in retrieving the occupants from the truck. The driver and passenger received minor injuries in the crash. The Wyoming Game and Fish and Carbon County Fire departments worked to contain any hazardous material leaking from the truck. Driver fatigue is being investigated as a possible contributing factor, and the driver was cited for failing to maintain his lane of travel. The WHP reminds motorists to pull off in a safe, designated area to get some rest if feeling fatigued, and always wear a seat belt.

Utah now requires all travelers, including truckers, to submit COVID-19 travel declaration when entering state

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2020

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has issued an executive order requiring drivers of both passenger and commercial vehicles to fill out a health-screening form when entering the state. The order, issued April 8, went into effect April 10 and is scheduled to end at 11:59 p.m. May 1. “It is a significant step forward,” Herbert said, referring to the order at a press conference earlier this week. “Everybody has a responsibility to say, ‘I am part of the solution, not part of the problem.’ We implore the people of Utah to follow the directions we have issued, and we will get through this together.” The state is using a targeted geofenced wireless emergency alert at major points of entry to the state to monitor interstate travel. The highway entry points include: Interstate 15 at the Arizona border; S. 89 north of Kanab; S. 491/191 at Monticello; Interstate 70 at the Colorado border; S. 40 at the Colorado border; Interstate 80 at the Wyoming border; Interstate 15 at the Idaho border; Interstate 84 at the Idaho border; and Interstate 80 at the Nevada border. Travelers will be contacted via text message shortly after entering Utah and directed to fill out an online declaration related to COVID-19. State officials ask that all drivers pull to the side of the road while completing the online survey. Questions on the form include: Entry location Full name Have you, or anyone in your party been tested for COVID-19 in the last 14 days? Are you, or anyone in your party currently experiencing any of the following symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath or fever? Are you a Utah resident, a visitor or a worker? Home Address Phone number Please list the specific places traveled within the previous 14 days. Are there additional people in your group? Information gathered through the online forms will be stored in a secure environment with limited access and personal and health-related data will be transferred to the Utah Department of Health, according to information posted on the state’s COVID-19 information website. The order requires that all travelers over age 18 complete the form within three hours of entering Utah, regardless of whether any stops are made within the state’s borders. There are currently no plans to stop motorists who do not complete the online form, but drivers are asked to follow the state’s laws and help stop the spread of COVID-19. “These are extraordinary times, and Utah is taking extraordinary measures like using this technology (which we have never used in an instance like this before). There may be some kinks here and there, but it’s absolutely essential to help us stop the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19,” the website states. For additional information and FAQs, click here.

FMCSA issues temporary waiver for training of qualifying third-party CDL skills test examiners

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2020

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a temporary waiver to help ensure holders of commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) can complete their skills testing and earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in a timely manner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the public health emergency many state’s drivers licensing agencies are operating with a reduced staff or have closed in response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it more difficult for truck drivers to complete their CDL licensing requirements. Under the waiver, effective from April 9 until June 30 or until the president’s proclamation of a national emergency is revoked, state driver licensing agencies are “not required to provide third-party CDL skills test examiners with formal in-person or online training in administering the CDL knowledge tests. However, the state must provide these examiners with access to written training instructional materials for the knowledge-test training referenced in 49 CFR 384.228(c)(3) regarding the general and specialized knowledge tests, administration of the knowledge test and the selection of the appropriate tests and test forms.” The waiver applies to third-party CDL test examiners who previously completed a CDL skills-test-examiners training course that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 384.228(d) and have maintained a valid CDL test examiner certification. The waiver does not apply to third-party CDL test examiners who have not maintained their CDL test examiner certification or who did not complete a CDL skills test examiners training course that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 384.228(d) before April 9, 2020. FMCSA states in the waiver that the action “is in the public interest because CDL and CLP holders play a critical role in delivering necessary passengers and property, including shipments of essential supplies, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.” The waiver allows state driver licensing agencies to use third-party CDL test examiners to administer knowledge tests while the agencies are closed, operating with a reduced staff or are unable to administer testing due to the COVID-19 national emergency. “Due to an overlap in training topics, such examiners would have already taken a CDL skills test examiner training course that complies with 49 CFR 384.228(d) and would have already received training on two of the three required units of instruction for the CDL knowledge test examiner training. The only unit required under 49 CFR 384.338(c) not covered by that training is the knowledge test unit,” the waiver states, specifying that states must provide third-party examiners with access to writing training and instructional materials for the knowledge test. This information may be supplied in either electronic or written means. The remaining requirements for CDL test examiners remain unchanged. To view the waiver, click here.

Virginia weigh stations temporarily converted to rest areas for commercial drivers

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2020

RICHMOND, Va. – While all 13 Virginia weigh stations are temporarily closed until at least April 23, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is offering weigh stations as additional rest areas to accommodate the increased number of commercial drivers working to deliver food and supplies during the COVID-19 crisis. “The trucking industry is a vital link in our country’s supply chain,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “During these unprecedented times, we are especially grateful to these men and women serving on the front lines, and we are proud to help in any way we can.” DMV is offering the use of 246 truck-parking spaces at 10 weigh stations across the commonwealth as rest parking for commercial drivers. The spaces are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until at least April 23. To make truckers aware of the service, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is partnering with the DMV to utilize portable changeable message signs advertising the availability of truck parking. Weigh stations that are currently open as rest areas for commercial drivers include: Alberta (I-81, mile marker 22); Bland (I-77, mile marker 52); Carson (I-95, mile marker 39); Dumfries (I-95, mile marker 154); Middletown (Rt. 11, across from the I-81 weigh station); New Church (Rt. 13, 2 miles south of the Maryland state line); Sandston (I-64, mile marker 203); Stephen City (I-81, mile marker 304); Suffolk (Rt. 58, 1 mile west of the Chesapeake city line); and Troutville (I-81, mile marker 149). “We recognize that these are unusual times for tractor-trailer drivers hauling goods in Virginia and across the nation with the industry working around the clock to deliver food and emergency supplies to those who desperately need them,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “We applaud their efforts and are proud to offer a place of refuge in this critical time.”

Business associations urge FHWA to keep off-highway food open for truck drivers

The Trucker News Staff - April 10, 2020

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has been asked to help keep off-highway food sources open for truck drivers by a coalition of groups representing cities and communities across America, off-highway food-service businesses including truck stops and travel centers, and blind merchants that manage vending machines at Interstate rest areas. In an April 8 letter to FHWA Administrator Nicole Nason, the coalition noted that off-highway restaurants and food-service operations are struggling to remain open and keep people employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an April 9 release from the coalition, many of these vendors have seen sales drop by 50%t or more. If these businesses are unable to remain open, it will exacerbate the trucking community’s concerns with respect to convenient access to food options as they heroically deliver essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the release continued. The coalition referred to FHWA’s recent decision to temporarily not enforce the long-standing ban on commercial activities at Interstate rest areas with respect to food trucks during the presidentially declared emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition did not ask the FHWA to withdraw the non-enforcement notice but did urge that food trucks operate at rest areas where there are no other nearby options for truck drivers. “Although some state rest areas have closed during the pandemic, private truck stops and travel plazas remain open and are committed to serving truck drivers,” said Lisa Mullings, president and CEO of NATSO, an organization that represents truck stops and travel plazas. “If there are places where truck drivers are finding it difficult to find something to eat, we don’t oppose food trucks at rest areas. This is a national emergency, and we need to explore unconventional solutions,” she said. “But if food trucks at a rest area hurt local businesses that are already struggling to remain open, professional drivers ultimately will have even more difficulty finding places to eat. They will have fewer food choices if these businesses close, and they will struggle to find showers and parking, too.” Nicholas Gacos, president of the National Association of Blind Merchants expressed concerns about food trucks operating at rest stops that have food-vending options. “Blind merchants, many of whose sole source of income is through vending machines at rest areas, are struggling to remain afloat,” Gacos said. “We strongly urge federal, state and local government officials to keep this in mind as they consider the advisability of permitting food trucks to compete with us at Interstate rest areas.” The coalition members said they would like to be collaborative partners with FHWA so that off-highway businesses can remain open during the pandemic and continue to serve millions of truck drivers every week. The best way to ensure this can occur, the coalition wrote, is to help those businesses survive and stay open during this pandemic. The coalition includes NATSO, the International Franchise Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Automatic Merchandising Association, the National Federation of the Blind, the National Franchise Association, the National League of Cities, the National Restaurant Association, the National Retail Federation, the Petroleum Marketers Association of America and the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America. Read the letter to FHWA here.

Missouri allows truck parking at scale houses during COVID-19 emergency

The Trucker News Staff - April 9, 2020

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In response to the COVID-19 crisis and shortage of safe truck-parking facilities, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that truck parking, including overnight parking, will be permitted at the state’s scale houses during the national state of emergency declared last month by President Donald Trump. According to an April 7 post on the agency’s Facebook page, truckers must make sure parking does not interfere with the operation of the facility: No parking on ramps or turnaround areas; No parking in the scale lanes or in front of the inspection buildings; No parking in areas designated for staff or handicap parking; and No parking in other areas identified by on-site Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel. In addition, drivers should take note of the following: No littering of any kind. No alcohol or drug consumption on state property. Restroom facilities may not be available at some sites.

Information sought in theft of big rig owned by State of Texas

The Trucker News Staff - April 9, 2020

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A big rig has been reported stolen from an undisclosed address in Gaudalupe County in Texas. The yellow 2010 Peterbilt 389 is owned by the State of Texas and has an oversized chrome front bumper, an extra-large sleeper, a large visor on the front windshield, auxiliary light strips on the air cleaners, four air horns mounted to the cab, and large chrome exhaust shields on the stacks. The truck was reported stolen on Tuesday, April 7, and is thought to have been taken sometime overnight on Monday, April 6. Only the tractor was stolen; the trailer was left at the location of the theft. Anyone who has information regarding this investigation and wishes to remain anonymous can contact Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers at 877-403-TIPS (8477). A tip can also be submitted online at guadalupecountycrimestoppers.org.

Love’s donates $100,000 to St. Christopher Truckers Fund to help truckers in difficult times

The Trucker News Staff - April 9, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY – Love’s Travel Stops recently contributed $100,000 to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF). The donation will help professional drivers who can’t work due to illness or injury, which could be more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This donation reflects our belief that professional truck drivers are the backbone of the U.S., especially during this challenging time,” said Jenny Love Meyer, executive vice president and chief culture officer of Love’s Travel Stops. “This contribution enables us to help drivers with immediate needs when they are unable to work due to COVID-19 or other medical issues.” SCF is a nonprofit organization that helps professional drivers and their families when an illness or injury causes them to be out of work. This fund helps with expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance and vehicle payments. “We cannot thank Love’s Travel Stops enough for this generous donation. Professional drivers are vital to our everyday lives and it is humbling to see their commitment. Even during this national pandemic, they are continuing to deliver the essential supplies we all need,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy and development for the St. Christopher Relief Fund. “These men and women are the heroes of the highway during this crucial time and we are honored to be here to support them when they need us most.” Truckers needing assistance from SCF can apply by clicking here. To donate to SCF’s mission to support truckers and their families in financial need, click here or contact Shannon Currier at [email protected].

Arizona DOT delivers more than 2,600 N95 masks to assisted-care facilities

The Trucker News Staff - April 9, 2020

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has (ADOT) has reallocated more than 2,600 N95 respirator masks to two state-operated assisted-care living facilities to help address a need for personal protective equipment during the current health situation. ADOT delivered 1,440 masks to the Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix and 1,200 masks to the Arizona Pioneers’ Home in Prescott following a call for the protective gear from the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. “We knew there was a shortage in the medical community, so we made these available to the other state agencies that had a more critical need,” said Sonya Herrera, director of ADOT’s administrative services division. Until receiving the donation, the Arizona Pioneers’ Home had only a small supply of the protective gear remaining for a staff that cares for pioneers and retired miners. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the Arizona Pioneers’ Home for your donation of masks,” Director of Nursing Jamie Suffriti said in a note to ADOT. “I am beyond grateful over the support ADOT has provided us. You are helping to save lives and keep the staff and our residents safe. I am, and will always be, grateful.” ADOT had purchased the personal protective equipment during a previous viral outbreak and quickly evaluated its inventory when learning of the current demand for the medical-grade masks. “We truly appreciate ADOT’s quick response to our need for more N95 masks,” Arizona State Veteran Home Administrator Kimberly Trotta said. “Through this critical time, we are encouraged by the kindness shown to us as we continue to care for our veterans.”

Women In Trucking partners with Espyr to support drivers’ health

The Trucker News Staff - April 9, 2020

PLOVER, Wis. — Women in Trucking Association (WIT), a nonprofit organization that promotes the employment and recognition of women in the trucking industry, and Espyr, a provider of customized behavioral health solutions, have teamed up to support the health of professional drivers. The partnership will provide truck drivers who are members of WIT with 90 days of free access to Espyr’s Fit to Pass coaching program and iResolve, Espyr’s CDL driver-support hotline. Even in normal times, truck driving can be taxing on driver’s physical and mental health. Add the impacts of COVID-19 — including fear of contagion, closed restaurants, and limited availability of restrooms and showers — and the toll on drivers’ health can be substantial. Espyr’s Fit to Pass is a customized coaching program designed to improve the health of professional drivers and help them meet the physical requirements of the DOT recertification exam. iResolve is a tele-mental health solution that provides immediate support for drivers’ mental health and work-life related issues. Drivers and their family members can speak with an Espyr mental health professional without an appointment — and without waiting. “We are so pleased to be able to provide this much needed support to our driver members,” said Ellen Voie, President and CEO of WIT. “Professional drivers are among the many unsung heroes helping us to live through these difficult times and we’re very grateful to Amazon for providing the funding for these programs.” Espyr CEO Rick Taweel added, “Thank you, WIT and Amazon, for helping us support professional driver health. While COVID-19 has created a mental health strain for everyone, the impact on professional drivers is especially significant because we all rely on them for the essentials of everyday life.” Espyr’s professional driver health services will be provided to all current WIT members who are drivers thanks to the generosity of Amazon. “Our concern is for the nation’s drivers who have to cope with the added challenges brought on by COVID-19 on a daily basis and need the support these programs can provide,” said Chris Heine, Amazon’s director of transportation and WIT board member. “Drivers have always kept America moving. Now, more than ever, we need to care for them like they care for the products they haul.”

Indiana launches program to permit food trucks at rest areas

The Trucker News Staff - April 9, 2020

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation has launched a temporary program to permit licensed food trucks to operate at rest area locations on Indiana interstate highways to provide food and beverage options for commercial truck drivers and motorists engaged in essential travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program will provide needed options for truck drivers, many of whom are reporting limited availability of food and beverages options near highways across the country due to restaurants and other businesses following public health guidelines in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, including closing dining rooms and in some cases reducing hours of operation. In accordance with the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Notice of Enforcement Discretion titled “Operation of Commercial Food Trucks in Federally Funded Interstate Highway Rest Areas”, issued April 3, 2020, INDOT will temporarily permit food trucks to service rest areas and welcome centers statewide. INDOT will issue two permits for food trucks to operate between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day on a first-come, first-served basis for more than 25 rest areas. Permits will be valid until canceled by INDOT or the national federal emergency status is lifted.

AASHTO asks congress for $50B fiscal backstop for state DOTs

The Trucker News Staff - April 8, 2020

WASHINGTON – The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials sent a letter to Congressional leadership on April 6 requesting the immediate emergency injection of $49.95 billion to offset an estimated 30% loss in state transportation revenues over the next 18 months. “State departments of transportation are forecasting a significant reduction in state transportation revenues that will challenge their ability to maintain and operate our transportation system in a way that can support the COVID-19 response,” explained Jim Tymon, AASHTO’s executive director, in a statement. AASHTO is requesting that the nearly $50 billion be distributed to state DOTs via formula funding; a figure composed of $16.7 billion to cover revenue losses for the remainder of fiscal year 2020 and $33.3 billion for FY 2021. “This crucial federal backstop will prevent cancellations and delays of projects as well as potential job losses both in the state DOT workforce and the private sector,” AASHTO said in its letter. Such workforce drawdowns are already on the drawing board, as Pennsylvania plans to end paid leave for 9,000 state employees whose work locations are closed and who are unable to work remotely on April 10, according to a news story – and 5,700 of those 9,000 are Pennsylvania Department of Transportation workers. In addition to backstopping state transportation revenue losses, AASHTO is asking Congress to pass a “robust” surface and water transportation reauthorization legislation in order to provide a long-term boost to the nation’s economy once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. “These actions to shore up our nation’s highway, transit, passenger rail, and water transportation systems will send a bold signal to raise consumer and investor confidence and expectations for economic recovery, while strengthening our national transportation system for decades to come,” the organization said in its letter. AASHTO is concerned that current federal surface transportation authorization – the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation or FAST Act – will expire in just six months with no clear pathway established for renewing federal funding that supports America’s highway and transit programs. “A well-performing transportation network allows businesses to manage inventories and move goods more cheaply, access a variety of suppliers and markets for their products, and get employees reliably to work,” Tymon noted. “The benefits of reauthorizing a long-term surface transportation bill were well-documented before the current crisis,” he added. “But it has now added even more significance as the necessary platform for national economic recovery once the pandemic subsides.” 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 8.

$25,000 hazardous duty pay for truckers. What are your thoughts?

The Trucker News Staff - April 8, 2020

Our friends at the Trucking Review Channel discuss the idea that is being floated in Congress regarding hazardous pay for essential workers. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Courtesy: Trucking Review Channel Trucking Review Channel: Okay guys, I was just reading the news and I seen this. Senate Democrats propose a $25,000 Corona virus hazard pay for essential workers. I’ll tell you how I feel about this after I read it and I might have to pause it and go into a little debt. I don’t know. Okay. Senate Democrats are proposing giving hazard pay for up to $25,000 to essential workers including grocers, store employees, transit workers, and truck drivers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The bonus pay, which would equate to $13 an hour raise for recipients, I don’t know where they get that number they’re doing averages, but go towards workers who are in the line of fire day in and day out. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, said during a Tuesday conference call with reporters, it would extend from the beginning of the virus outbreak through the end of the year. Trucking Review Channel: “It’s the right thing to do. It’s the moral thing to do”, Schumer said. “When America has a crisis, we all pull together. No one has pulled together more than these essential workers who desire hazard pay. We are asking these workers to take a great risk. They should be compensated for it”. The Democrats proposal, the so called pandemic premium pay would offer at $25,000 for workers earning less than $200,000 a year and up to $5,000 for those earning more than $200,000. It would also offer an essential work recruitment incentive of up to $15,000 for medical workers. Schumer did not provide a total cost estimate for the proposal. Many hospital workers and medical providers have expressed concern about the high risk of exposure to the virus, particularly given the inadequate access to personal protective equipment like masks, gowns and gloves that could help to protect them. What is hazard pay? Trucking Review Channel: You was in the army. You know what it was. The Trump administration might be open to a fourth stimulus package, which may include, hazard pay for frontline workers who earn too much to qualify for the one time payment of $1,200 set aside in the CARES Act. We’ll skip that. President Trump also said he’s considering hazard pay for healthcare workers like doctors, nurses, and others grappling with the outbreak of COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. It’s something we’re discussing in terms of bonuses are bonus pay. Trump said last week during a white house briefing. They’re like warriors. They’re like soldiers. Well, that’s true. The existing $2 trillion relief bill is paying people $1,200 who earn less than $75,000 and $2,400 to couples who earn less than $150,000. Children receive $500. Trucking Review Channel: The payments are tapered for high earners and are phased out completely for individuals earn more than $99,000, or couples who are more than 198,000. You know I’m going to give you my opinion on this also, right? There’s a big fear in my head that as this continues to escalate, a lot of people are going to start going home. I think that I read that about 40% of the workforce in our niche, our trucking niche has already accepted layoffs and went home. Trucking Review Channel: It’s a very big possibility and I’ve talked to you guys about the fact that two weeks ago when this started up, started ramping up, rates were really high, right? And we were socking it to them and I understand that even if I don’t agree with it. But now times have caught up and enough truck drivers have went home that the ones that have switched over from other services have filled the niche rather nicely. Matter of fact to the max capacity. So rates have fallen on that same load that you was hauling two weeks ago, the stimulus load. The rates have fallen substantially, okay? Now we are, we are all of us. It’s not just truck drivers, okay. This is a problem that faces our country and if everyone goes home, the nation’s going to be over. We can’t all go home. That’s why I’ve talked about bravery and some people put their life in the line and they just keep on doing it because there are people that run to fires and people that run from fires. Trucking Review Channel: I’m not going to judge you if you go home. I am sitting at home. In two weeks if the girl isn’t better, I’m going back out. I’m going to go out regardless. It’s not a matter of money for me. It’s a matter of patriotism and I got to do my part to help the country along in this effort to preserve our way of life. Preserving our way of life, it’s a tangible dream. Really, it is. A tangible dream for the next generation. It may not be here for the next generation. If we don’t do something today. The government’s going to get the freight moved one way or the other. Which side would you be on? Will you be on the money grubbing side? Give me a dollar. Give me a dollar. I want my $3. You guys know that movie? All right. Trucking Review Channel: Or, are you going to be on the side that stands up and just does what’s right? Because if we don’t deliver freight, people are going to die. Right now, it’s really great, right? Have you noticed that there’s been a trend in the grocery stores and people aren’t buying the amount of stuff that they was buying because they’re starting to stock in their goods in the stores. You’re going to see in the coming week another glut, and when I say a glut, I mean the DCs are going to be filled up and then you’re going to find another drop in freight rates once these DCs are filled up. And then more truck drivers will go home because you don’t want to sit at a truck stop. I’ll go out and work and I’ll haul freight for practically free. But I’ll tell you, I’m not going to sit at a truck stop all week. If I’ve got to sit, I’ll go home. Trucking Review Channel: I’m not needed, right? And I know you feel the same way. If you’re needed, then that give me a load. There’s no pretty picture to this. There’s no pretty outcome. It’s doom and gloom with a better hope for tomorrow. I hope you guys can stand up where you’re needed to stand up and function. And function as a whole. I know that we’re going to be little disjointed revolutionaries out there, but something’s got to bring this together. I’ve been following OOIDA, oh I just touched my face guys, don’t worry about it I’ve been inside. I’ve been following OOIDA really closely because they’re really staying on top of this really good. If you guys aren’t a member to OOIDA you guys probably should join because they are looking out for your best interest. Trucking Review Channel: But anyway, we’re still at home. I know you guys think that we’re on the road because I had some videos that I needed to put up and I thought, this is a time of doom and gloom. Our videos, I try to make lighthearted and airy and happy, right? So those videos that I’ve had in reserve, I went ahead and started releasing. Trucking Review Channel: The girl won’t be going back to the doctor until the 14th and we’re going to find out what’s going on with her eyes at that point. I don’t know if she’s going to be coming back out anytime soon. I really don’t. If she can’t drive, then what can she do, right? We can think of something, but you know what I’m saying, right? I mean, it’s a matter of work. But I can do it by myself. I’ve done it by myself my whole life mostly so I can do it again. Keep the faith guys. Keep strong. Keep your CBs on, communicate with each other. You’ve got to help bolster your fellow trucker up, okay? If someone needs to talk, please talk to them, and don’t be the negative Nancy that’s out there sowing seeds of descent and disaster, all right? Put a positive face on it. Trucking Review Channel: This is not America’s first disaster. It will not be our last disaster. There will be a brighter tomorrow and we will come through this whole. Hopefully we’ll come through it whole with our integrity intact. You guys have a spectacular day. Be safe out there on the front lines of corona central and be safe wear you mask, wash your hands. Stay in the woods. Stay out of the truck stop as much as you can. I know that truck stops are still giving everybody trouble. Some of them are doing good and some of them are doing bad. It’s a very stressful time on them too. They don’t think very highly of us for reasons that … They got good reasons to not think very highly of us. Trucking Review Channel: So think about that when you’re wanting to choke them out at the truck stop. I mean, Daniel was telling me about an experience he had today and I was like, I know, you just want to choke them, but we can’t do that. We’re better than that. We’re more informed. We’re better educated. We don’t get the props that we desired for the education that we received out here. But anyway, have a spectacular day. Be safe. We’ll see you on the other side.

New Mexico Chick-fil-A offers drive-thru service for semis, free meals for pro drivers

Linda Garner-Bunch - April 8, 2020

FARMINGTON, N.M. — Drivers passing through Farmington, New Mexico, now have a new drive-thru option for prepared food. Chick-fil-A, at 4910 Main St., has opened a semi-truck-friendly drive-thru service. In addition, the restaurant is offering free meals to professional truck drivers and first responders. “We’ve seen a need, not only in our community, but across the country as Americans try to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and daily life is being altered,” said restaurant owner Gary Smouse. “The nation’s truck drivers are among those who are still working and need food options,” he continued. “Truck drivers are risking their personal health and doing the hard work to keep products moving to stores, restaurants, hospitals and elsewhere. This (drive-thru service) was the least we could do to say ‘thank you.’” The semi-truck drive-thru, which first opened March 23, serves 15 to 20 trucks a day, Smouse said, adding that the number of truck drivers using the service is growing as word spreads through the trucking industry. “At one point we had as many as four semis utilize the drive-thru at the same time,” he said. To use the drive-thru service, professional drivers pull into the designated lanes — there are two lanes, Smouse said — and are greeted by Chick-fil-A team members, who take the drivers’ orders. Drivers may also take advantage of mobile ordering using the Chick-fil-A app, which allows for touch-free payment processing. When planning the semi drive-thru service, Smouse said his team worked with a local sign company to create banners and signs to help truckers navigate the lanes. He also expressed appreciation to a neighboring retailer, Dick’s Sporting Goods, for allowing Chick-fil-A to use its parking lot to provide much-needed meal service for truck drivers. “Without truck drivers, we couldn’t open our restaurant. It’s as simple as that,” Smouse said.

UPDATE: Suspect shot by police after fatal stabbings of truck-stop workers identified as NC truck driver

Wendy Miller - April 7, 2020

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the investigation continues into Tuesday’s fatal stabbing and officer-involved shooting incident at the Pilot Travel Center on Strawberry Plains Pike, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the deceased suspect as Idris Abdus-Salaam, a truck driver from Durham, North Carolina. The Knox County Sheriff’s Department received a call reporting a stabbing at the truck stop shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday (April 7). Upon arrival, officers found four victims; three were reported dead at the scene and the fourth was transported to a local hospital. When confronted by officers, the suspect now identified as Abdus-Salaam refused to drop a knife, according to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) spokesperson Leslie Earhart. “At some point during the encounter, one of the officers fired shots, striking the individual. He was pronounced dead at the scene,” Earhart said in a press conference following the incident. TBI has also released the names of the three deceased victims: Joyce Whaley, Patricia Denise Nibbe and Nettie Spencer. TBI has also confirmed that they were all employed at the Pilot Travel Center. The fourth victim, who was a customer, remains hospitalized. Pilot CEO Jimmy Haslam released the following statement Tuesday afternoon. “Today is a difficult day for the Pilot Company family. We are devastated to confirm the loss of three team members and the injury of a guest after an act of violence at our Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, location this morning. It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims. We are providing support and counseling to the families and our team. We are working closely with local authorities. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.” In an earlier interview, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said the officer involved in the shooting is OK and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will be responsible for further information and investigation in the case.