Federal authorities have issued notice that they will allow states to permit food trucks to serve truckers in rest areas.
On April 3, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that they would suspend enforcement against states that choose to allow commercial food trucks to operate and sell food at designated federally funded Interstate Highway rest areas.
The FHWA says that commercial activity in the federally funded Interstate right-of-way is typically prohibited, but given the “extreme and unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic”, they have elected to allow for food trucks in rest areas for the duration of the national emergency.
“America’s commercial truck drivers are working day and night during this pandemic to ensure critical relief supplies are being delivered to our communities,” said FHWA Administrator Nicole R. Nason. “I am grateful to our state transportation partners for bringing this idea to the Department and for their leadership in thinking outside the box. It is critical to make sure truck drivers continue to have access to food services while they’re on the job serving our nation during these challenging times.”
When the COVID-19 national emergency ends, states must once again go back into compliance with federal regulations and food trucks will again be prohibited at the rest areas.
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These drivers are the living links to nearly everything our hospitals, families, farmers and businesses need in a time of distancing.
Spencer Platt • Getty Images
While much of the country is working from home, truckers are delivering food and necessities.
What do all these things have in common: medical supplies, prescriptions, milk, bread, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, formula, soup, cleaning products, eggs, cereal, gasoline, a good pair of walking shoes and toys?
You might reasonably answer that all these are things you would need or want during the current pandemic. The truth is, all of these items, and countless others, are being delivered every day by a professional truck driver. These courageous men and women are keeping our nation going during these trying times.
If you look at the roads and highways across the county, you notice a stunning decline in the number of cars on the roads these days. What you don’t see is a reduction in the number of trucks delivering what our nation needs every day. In fact, you may actually see more trucks serving America in this time of need.
The brave men and women supplying our daily needs cannot be overlooked for the contributions they are making. Every day in the news, one governmental official or another is talking about the “supply chain” and how America’s supply chain is strong. Each and every one of these men and women, along with their truck, is an irreplaceable link in that chain. The critical importance of each truck cannot be understated.
In addition to these front line professionals, the personnel in their support network are keeping America running. The trucking companies, the dispatchers, the mechanics, the dock workers and the truck stop workers, just to name a few, are critical components to America’s supply chain.
Spring is coming. It will not be delayed by COVID-19. Farmers will need to get into their fields and plant crops. They will need seed, fertilizer, fuel and many other supplies. Crops from the past season will need to get to market. Feed will need to be delivered to livestock. And you guessed it, all of these products will be delivered by a professional truck driver.
Our drivers are facing many challenges in these unprecedented times. Truck stop restaurants are closed, rest areas have limited or no access, being away from family for extended periods of time and picking up or delivering a load to a location they have not previously been are all new challenges for our nation’s professional drivers. They too have questions without answers about what is happening and what might happen next.
Despite it all, these men and women continue, day in and day out, to deliver for America. These men and women proudly do what they do, not just for a paycheck, but because they know the load in the back of their trailer is going to help keep America fed and equipped and supplied.
During these unprecedented times, there are countless heroes across America — medical providers, first responders, law enforcement, store workers, gas station staff, pharmacists, care givers, postal workers — and, yes, truck drivers.
Chances are you know a truck driver, or someone who supports the trucking industry. Next time you see them, offer them a simple thank you. They do more than you know.
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Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently seized more than two tons of marijuana hidden in a fresh produce load at a Texas border crossing.
The drug seizure was made on March 24 at Pharr International Bridge in Pharr, Texas.
Authorities say that a truck from Mexico loaded up with a commercial shipment of bananas was referred for an “intensive secondary examination.”
With the help of a canine unit, officers found 200 packages of suspected marijuana weighing 4,616 pounds.
The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $923,290.
The suspected drugs along with the truck, trailer, and the bananas were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The incident remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“Amid the ongoing effort to facilitate lawful trade as the nation responds to the current public health situation, our frontline officers within CBP Field Operations continue with the enforcement posture of keeping drugs and other illegitimate merchandise from entering into the United States,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
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If you pick up or deliver in New York City, the federal government wants you to continue doing your job, but be careful how you do it and about what you when done driving for the day.
The Federal Centers for Disease Control earlier this week issued self-quarantining guidance for greater New York City residents leaving the area because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. They issued a statement Thursday, March 26 that clarified that directive when it comes to truckers.
New York State, and especially New York City, has become the epicenter of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. As of today, March 27, there have been 44,600 people tested positive in the state with 25,000 of them in New York City. There have been at least 519 deaths related to the disease statewide.
The CDC statement, in part, says:
“In line with our recommendations for other essential critical infrastructure workers, this guidance does not apply to critical transportation and delivery workers who are desperately needed for New York residents to continue their daily lives and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
It adds:
- truck drivers and other people driving into the city to deliver needed supplies should stay in their vehicles as much as possible as supplies are loaded and unloaded
- they should avoid being within 6 feet of others as much as possible when they exit their vehicles
- move to electronic receipts if possible
- if these drivers need to spend the night in the greater New York City area, they should stay in their hotel rooms or sleeper cab, when available, to the extent possible and continue to practice social distancing
The CDC added: “Drivers who take these precautions should not need to self-quarantine when they leave the greater New York area, unless self-quarantine is recommended by state or local officials for all residents in the areas where they live.”
The agency also had directions for the truckers who live in the greater New York area. The CDC said the may continue to work both within and outside of the greater New York area but should stay at home and practice social distancing according to instructions of state and local officials when they are not working. While they are working either within or outside of the greater New York area, they should stay in their vehicles as much as possible, avoid being within 6 feet of others as much as possible when they exit their vehicles, and move to electronic receipts if possible.
The agency added, “We continue to recommend that all people take precautions to stay safe and keep others safe, including washing their hands regularly, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining distance from others.”
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Navistar has issued a major recall for a brake light issue that could increase the risk of a crash.
Navistar recently announced that they would recall certain 2019-2020 International LT and 2018-2021 International HX vehicles.
The recall impacts 13,570 trucks.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, these trucks are equipped with a brake light switch may have a weak solder joint, possibly resulting in a poor electrical contact and inoperative brake lights or brake lights that stay on. This, in turn, could cause confusion to other drivers on the road and increase the risk of a crash.
The recall is expected to begin on May 18, 2020. Navistar will contact truck owners and dealers will replace the brake light switch for free.
Truck owners with questions can contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825 and reference recall number 20501.
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Tens of thousands of Peterbilt trucks are affected by a recall for a defect that could cause an electrical short circuit and a fire.
PACCAR will recall certain 2015-2020 Peterbilt 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles that are equipped with a left-hand under hood jumper terminal.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, “The positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical short circuit.” This, in turn, increases the risk of a fire.
The recall affects 35,671 trucks.
PACCAR will begin contacting truck owners about the recall on May 1, 2020. Dealerships will inspect the battery jumper terminal cables and provide free repairs if needed.
If you have questions about the recall, truck owners may call PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and reference recall number 20PBA.
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INDIANAPOLIS (TEGNA) — McDonad's has laid out a new system for truckers to order food and have it brought to them conveniently.
McDonalds recently released a statement acknowledging that its restaurants are limited to only "Drive-Thru and McDelivery." The restaurant says they recognize that truckers cannot bring their "rig through the Drive-Thru and for safety reasons, we cannot accept walk up orders at the Drive-Thru window."
McDonalds is now asking truck drivers to:
- Use McDonald’s Mobile Order & Pay app, when you arrive at the restaurant.
- Select Curbside Service and walk to the designated Trucker curbside sign on the sidewalk outside our designated door.
- Complete your order by entering the appropriate Trucker curbside number and a worker will bring your order to you at the designated door as soon as it’s ready.
Read the full statement here.
There are a couple of ways for a transportation company to play the freight market ‘after the peak,’ depending on the customer portfolio.
Carriers and brokers with business concentrated in food and beverage – commodities enjoying a period of extraordinary demand – might be tempted to raise rates on their customers to protect themselves against unpredictable spot markets and purchased transportation costs.
On the other hand, a defensive play would be to communicate with customers and try to lower or maintain rates where possible to hold on to contracted freight in the anticipation of asset-based carriers lowering their rates as they begin to manage for asset utilization rather than yield.
Transportation companies are placing their bets on a customer-by-customer basis according to what their business relationships will bear and their projections about freight markets, but we heard from multiple sources this week that small carriers hauling spot freight are beginning to capitulate on rates (see our ‘Rates’ section below).
For us, it’s an early signal that capacity may loosen and drive down rates even for the most defensive food and beverage and consumer staple freight as carriers try to keep their trucks moving.
Read the full report, offered free today, here.
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From FDOT: "Commercial motor vehicles should proceed in the left lane and may bypass the checkpoint to ensure timely delivery of products across the state.
In a strange reversal of the norm, Florida officials are using some of the state’s weigh stations as a checkpoint for motorists only to try to slow the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus from other states.
On March 28, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order to try to contain the spread of Coronavirus in part by requiring that motorists entering the state to enter weigh stations on I-10 and I-95 for health screenings.
From a news release from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT):
To assist with the implementation and enforcement of the Executive Order, Florida Highway Patrol will staff the checkpoint at I-10 at the Alabama/Florida line, 24 hours a day with approximately 16 troopers in 12-hour shifts.
FDOT’s top priority is safety; therefore, motorists who are approaching a checkpoint should be prepared to reduce their speed. Motorists should expect to be directed by law enforcement to enter the weigh station. Depending upon the motorist’s origin, they will be directed to either proceed back to the Interstate or to pull aside for further screening.
Commercial motor vehicles should proceed in the left lane and may bypass the checkpoint to ensure timely delivery of products across the state.
Motorists who have been in areas with substantial outbreaks of Coronavirus including Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will be required to quarantine for 14 days before they are allowed into Florida. Those who violate the quarantine order could face up to 60 days in jail. The order doesn’t apply to those working in a military, emergency, health or infrastructure capacity, or persons involved in any commercial activity.
On Sunday afternoon, another COVID-19 checkpoint located on I-95 at the Florida/Georgia border was shut down for hours due to a miles-long traffic backup. Video shared on Facebook shows several motorists driving in the grass to bypass the checkpoint.
FDOT remarked, “The Florida Department of Transportation fully supports the trucking industry and appreciates the critical services they provide across the state while protecting Floridian’s safety during COVID-19. No commerce is impeded and commercial vehicles may bypass the checkpoint to ensure timely delivery of products across the state.”
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Canada and the United States have agreed to restrict non-essential trips across their common border, while leaving it open for the movement of freight in trucks. While the justification of banning crossings by "non-essential" people is open to question, the economic arguments for preserving the movement of trucks are clear.
On an average day, about 30,000 trucks roll across the Canada-U.S. border, carrying more than $1 billion in trade. If truck movements were banned, critical supplies of food and medicine would be interrupted and production at some of the largest manufacturing plants in both countries would cease, idling thousands of workers.
The economic damage from interrupting the flow of trucks would be both direct and indirect.
The direct damage would come when needed goods are cut off. For example, pharmaceuticals are a major export from Ontario to the U.S. and thousands of truckloads of agri-food products, from live animals to processed food, are shipped in both directions. The indirect damage would come when supply chains that straddle the border break down, making it impossible for factories and other economic activities to keep operating.
The automotive sector is a good example. Tariff-free trade in cars and parts dates to a Canada-U.S. agreement in the 1960s, long before NAFTA. This industry has more than 50 years of evolution based on cross-border supply chains.
A complicated supply chain
Production of cars and SUVs depends on parts from hundreds of different factories being passed up through several "tiers" of suppliers and gradually combined into larger components before they ultimately arrive at the final assembly plant. Nearly all these factory-to-factory movements are made in trucks, many of which cross the Canada-U.S. border.
As the border constrictions in the wake of the 9/11 attacks demonstrated, when the trucks stop crossing the border, the automotive production system shuts down. A border shutdown during the COVID-19 crisis would be more complete and much longer than the slowdown that followed 9/11.
The movement of trucks and the movement of people are not independent issues. Beyond just the truck drivers, there are many people involved in maintenance, repair, training, marketing and other occupations who regularly move across the border in support of binational production systems. The inclusion of these people in the "essential" category will help ensure the smooth functioning of cross-border supply chains.
Since cars and SUVs are not staple commodities, why should we worry if their production pauses during the crisis? For one thing, a similar story of dependence on cross-border supply chains could be told for food processing, medical devices and other things we cannot do without. Plans for the automotive and other industries to re-purpose parts of their production assets to make desperately needed medical devices will also depend on cross-border supply chains.
Deeper crisis than 2008
More generally, it is important that economic activities which can be done safely carry on during the crisis. We are about to experience the deepest global economic contraction of our times — potentially much deeper than the crisis of 2008. How long it will last is still unclear, but it will be months or perhaps years rather than weeks.
At this early stage, public attention is rightly focused on protecting people from infection. This means all work environments and processes must be assessed to ensure that employees are not at risk. For example, the major automotive companies are currently shutting down plants for sanitation and to institute new safety measures.
As the regional effects of the pandemic subside, more attention will be given to speeding up the economic recovery. If the economic contraction during the crisis is any greater than what is required to protect the public, there will be more missed paycheques, more debt and more companies lost to bankruptcy. Keeping the trucks moving across the border now could pay off in a faster return to economic vitality in the aftermath of the crisis.
The COVID-19 crisis is a critical test of the resilience of cross-border supply chains. The outcome of this test will have big implications for the future of the Canadian economy, especially the manufacturing sector.
From our consultation at the Cross Border Institute with private-sector players who use the border intensively, we know that the threat of major delays and interruptions is one of the downsides of linking production facilities on opposite sides of the border. If the risk of interruptions becomes too great, a reasonable strategy is to consolidate the supply chain in one country.
The future of cross-border supply chains?
For some industries, such as food production, there is an argument for a shift to separate domestic supply chains.
But for industries where scale is important — automotive, aerospace, defence and industrial machinery — such consolidation systematically works against Canada. In those industries, supply chains will not be duplicated in each country, but rather concentrated in the country with the largest market — which is generally the United States. Demonstrating that cross-border logistics can function in a crisis would be beneficial for business investment in Canada.
The COVID-19 crisis is a time for bold action. But it’s also a time to resist taking actions that cause economic harm without protecting public health. The co-ordinated decision by the governments of Canada and the United States to keep the border open to trucking makes sense.
William Anderson is the director and Marta Leardi-Anderson the executive director of the Cross Border Institute, University of Windsor.
This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
Almost 24% fewer truck drivers entered Canada from the U.S. last week than a year earlier, a sign that COVID-19 is hurting cross-border freight.
Nearly 24% fewer truck drivers entered Canada from the U.S. last week compared to a year earlier, a sign that COVID-19 is hurting the flow of freight between the two countries.
The Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) said on Tuesday that 88,290 truck drivers entered Canada from its land border crossings with the U.S. from March 23 to 29. During the same week in 2019, 115,239 truckers entered Canada.
The statistics came from the first full week since the U.S. and Canada halted nonessential travel between the countries to curb the spread of the pandemic. The restriction does not apply to trucking.
To what extent the 24% drop in truck drivers reflects a sustained decline remains an open question. The CBSA said the number of crossings on Sunday, March 29, represented a smaller drop of 16% compared to Sunday, March 31, 2019.
The agency also said it is working to “provide assurances that commercial traffic is not impeded.”
“Cross-border supply chains are vital to ensure the continued flow of goods, including food and medical supplies for all Canadians,” the CBSA said.
“It must be noted that no measures have been introduced restricting commercial shipments or rendering certain products as nonessential,” the CBSA said in a statement.
The agency did not state how many trucks had crossed the border. That number likely is somewhat smaller since some trucks have team drivers.
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An Oklahoma-based carrier announced that they’ll be closing their doors for good this week after 77 years in operation.
An Oklahoma-based carrier announced that they’ll be closing their doors for good this week after 77 years in operation.
Woodward, Oklahoma-based Beaver Express Services will be permanently ceasing operations this week, according to a letter to customers from company president Mike Stone.
According to the FMCSA’s SAFER website, Beaver Express employs 160 drivers and operates 218 power units. The company hauled LTL freight.
The company will begin the wind-down process on March 24 with the goal of having all current loads delivered by the end of the day on Thursday.
Beaver Express says that they have an agreement with Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. to start handling outbound shipments as of March 25. Old Dominion will not acquire any assets or debt from Beaver Express.
Stone writes, “The senior management team and the employees of Beaver Express would like to thank you for your loyalty to our organization and its people over the past 77 years and wish you the very best going forward. “
Beaver Express was founded with a single truck in 1943. According to the company website, Beaver Express was family-run and served customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Arkansas.
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