I’m sure you’ve been to the grocery or big-box store in the last 3 weeks—paper products? GONE. Disinfectant sprays and wipes? OUT. Frozen foods and pasta? SLIM PICKINGS. It seems our strength and resolve is being tested on three fronts: healthcare, economic, and grocery availability. While medical professionals and pharmaceutical researchers are receiving an abundance of press coverage and praise (as they should), there is an army of heroes doing their part to combat essentially all three fronts: trucking & logistics.
Medical Supply Delivery
Turn on nearly any channel and you’re likely to catch a headline about a personal protection equipment (PPE) shortage at hospitals, with nearly every state putting in private orders on top of requesting supplies from the federal government. We’re talking millions upon millions of units of masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, respirators, and goggles—so many, in fact, that companies in adjacent industries are crossing into the medical equipment supply chain to fulfill the enormous demand. What we’d like to draw attention to is the freight haulers who are moving the equipment from suppliers to distribution centers, and last-mile delivery drivers hauling equipment to hospitals, clinics, and first-responders, around the clock.
Grocery Delivery
It’s been quite a while since the majority of Americans sat around a dinner table at home together, and that seems to be the one upside to the growing national “Stay at Home” order. But, what this means is a sudden surge in consumer grocery spending that was not predicted by suppliers nor grocers, leaving no time for ramp-up or adjusting purchase orders for restocking staple items. From those hoarding cleaning supplies to easy-to-prep dinners for the cooking-challenged, suppliers are rising to the challenge and ramping up production of common goods
What The Surge Means For Truckers
If you’re on the road already you are no doubt feeling the effects of the economic shift. Those who were once shipping TVs and computers one way and mattresses and bedding the other, are now hauling ramen and paper towels to grocers and empty dry vans back. The upside is more routes, the downside? It’s heavily one-direction freight. Efficiency and dependability of equipment and health and availability of drivers is crucial during this crisis. Our trucking community is feeling the strain right now and we’re dependent upon their flexibility and availability to a greater extent than the last several decades.
We are proud to serve the transportation industry and the hardworking people it represents. Thank you for your commitment and adaptability to move critical supplies during a time such as this—we are grateful and are behind you every mile along the way.