Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, April 15, 2020:
OOIDA petitions grocers to support truckers
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is asking for help from the grocery industry to keep truck drivers supplied with essential items on the road.
In a letter penned by OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh, the group asked grocers, as well as retail giants Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens, to make basic items like paper towels, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes available to truckers for purchase or through donations.
“We are currently receiving several hundred calls daily from drivers who are unable to buy essential supplies to protect themselves from COVID-19,” the letter said. “Basic items like paper towels, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are nearly impossible to find right now. The irony is that truckers are hauling these supplies, but they are unable to actually buy them.”
Pugh added in the letter that “it would also be nice if truckers were able to use your restroom facilities” when delivering to warehouses and retail stores.
“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.”
Last week, OOIDA sent a letter to President Trump asking for improved access to COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment and more for truckers.
