For some states, stay-in-place orders have been continued through the rest of the spring, stepping on summer’s doorstep. For others, there are talks of slowly re-opening to get the economy back up and running sooner rather than later. Despite these worrying steps, people are still doing what they can to support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and stay positive. Here are five good things that happened in trucking this week.
President Trump celebrates America’s truck drivers
President Trump recognized the critical role our nation’s truck drivers are playing in the country’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic at an event on the White House lawn on April 16.
During the event, President Trump and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao named 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,” President 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 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 professional driver with Big G Express in Shelbyville TN. “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 in Chester, New York, and Tina Peterson, a service provider for FedEx Ground/Ravenwood Transport in Blaine, Minn., all spoke of their experiences, and received a gold key from President Trump, which he called an expression of thanks for their essential work.
Watch the White House event here and below.
Ford begins production of a new powered air-purifying respirator
On April 14, Ford Motor Company (Ford) tweeted the start of production on a new powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), with design and testing consultation from 3M. In addition to face masks, Ford is manufacturing reusable gowns for healthcare workers as well as coronavirus test collection kits.
The company also shared in a video that it is building more personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and patients in addition to health care workers.
Coke and Werner Enterprises provide refreshment to first responders
In a tweet on April 13, The Coca-Cola Company shared its partnership with Werner Enterprises to bring water and Powerade to volunteers and first responders in New York City and Atlanta. With the help of the USO and United Way, support for frontline workers came in a big way.
Yokohama, Loves support St. Christopher Trucker Relief Fund
In support of the St. Christopher Trucker Relief Fund (SCF), Yokohama is donating a portion of its April commercial truck tire sales. In addition to Yokohama’s contribution, Loves Travel Stops (Loves) donated $100,000 to the charity.
SCF is a 501(c)(3) truck driver charity that helps over-the-road/regional semi-truck drivers and their families when an illness or injury has recently caused them to be out of work.
Yokohama has set up a link so individuals can donate directly to SCF: Truckers Fund Donation. As a thank you, Yokohama will send a special rebate code to the first 500 people who donate $10 or more to SCF. The rebates can be redeemed on Yokohama tires purchased during the remainder of the year.
“What a blessing it is to see our industry come together to support the truck drivers that play such a critical role in our everyday lives,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy and development at SCF. “These men and women are the front-line heroes during this crucial time, and we are honored to be here to support them when they need us most.”
Google Doodle celebrates the trucking industry
On April 15, Google Doodles showed their appreciation for the trucking industry through a creative illustration as part of the Google Doodle series made to recognize and honor many of those on the front lines.
“Today, we’d like to say: To all packaging, shipping, and delivery workers, thank you.”
