Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, March 26, 2020:
Driver input sought in study of coronavirus impacts on trucking
A new study being conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute is aimed at understanding the impacts the novel coronavirus pandemic is having on trucking operations.
The research, being conducted jointly with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Foundation, focuses heavily on a survey that asks for input from truck drivers and fleets who are encountering COVID-19 impacts, such as limited shipper access, changing distribution patterns and traffic-related issues.
Anyone involved in trucking operations is encouraged to respond here.
“This survey will help us confirm what we know anecdotally,” says Tom Weakley, director of the OOIDA Foundation, “that the trucking industry is leading the charge in responding to food and medicine shortages among other critical supplies. We need everyone’s input on this effort.”
Positive coronavirus test temporarily closes one Oklahoma Love’s
The Love’s Travel Stops location in Nowata, Oklahoma, is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The Nowata location offers 38 truck parking spaces along U.S. Highway 169. The company says the location is tentatively planned to reopen early next week.
The case was the first confirmed case for a Love’s employee, the company says. Love’s has hired a professional cleaning team to disinfect the entire store during the closure. Additionally, any other employees who came in contact with the employee who tested positive have been directed to contact their healthcare provider and self-quarantine for at least 14 days.
Currently, all other Love’s locations are open.
Goodyear offering free DOT inspections
As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodyear Truck Care Centers are offering free DOT inspections, a $120 value, to help truck owners meet the annual inspection requirement.
Goodyear says its Commercial Tire and Service Center locations are expected to remain open, even in states with “stay-at-home” orders in place.
Annual Mother’s Day Convoy postponed
The annual Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Convoy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has been postponed amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Make-A-Wish of Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley says it plans to reschedule the event for later in the year. Last year, the convoy attracted approximately 550 trucks and raised more than $600,000 for the Make-A-Wish chapter.
“The health and safety of all Make-A-Wish constituents, including our wish kids and families, community supporters, volunteers and employees, is our priority,” the group said in a statement.
Two East Coast truck shows canceled
The East Coast Jamboree at the Kenly 95 Truck Stop in North Carolina and the 75 Chrome Shop Truck Show in Wildwood, Florida, have both been canceled due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 75 Chrome Shop show was scheduled for April 24-26, while the Kenly 95 show was set for May 7-9.
