To the drivers and many other essential employees helping to keep the supply chains open, thank you! You are true heros!
Please keep these tips in mind as you continue to serve:
- Sanitize the interior of your truck frequently.
- Wear gloves when pumping fuel
- Keep your contact with others to a minimum, communicate electronically as much as possible.
- Stay safe – don’t push your limits. Get proper rest, diet and exercise.
- Excessive driving may lead to fatigue and drowsy driving which can lead to yawning. Refrain from touching your face and rubbing your eyes.
- Proper diet and finding healthy food on the road can be difficult. Pack your lunch and dinner, and avoid eating at truck stops when possible. As of 4/3/2020, food trucks are now allowed in Rest Areas to Serve Commercial Drivers.
- Add Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to your pre-trip inspection checklist. Carry hand protection, sanitizer, gloves, face mask and disinfectant wipes.
- Slip-seat and Team driving operations need to be especially vigilant in following all state, local and CDC guidelines. This also applies to vehicles coming out of the maintenance garage as well.
- Follow CDC guidelines and be aware of any change in company policy applying to roadside inspections, enforcement, and accident scene procedures.
- Embrace trip planning now more than ever. Understand the route, the load and customer requirements that may be different under the existing quarantine. You may be asked to take a different load for another driver who is ill. You may be asked to deliver new cargo types under emergency conditions, to new customers. New and existing customers may have entirely different delivery procedures which you need to be prepared for. Check with dispatch, and share what you learn with/from other employees/drivers.
- Despite the necessity of keeping the transportation system moving, drivers may experience a slow down or reduction in business. During this time, take advantage of any and all e-Learning opportunities such as online driver safety orientation and training. Everyone needs to be prepared for reaching the “new normal” on the other side of the pandemic. Check with your company safety director or insurance provider for available resources.