Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, June 2, 2020:
The full list of testing locations for Arkansas-based truckers, including phone numbers and addresses, can be found here.COVID-19 testing available for Arkansas-based truckers
The Arkansas Trucking Association has worked with the state’s health department to find 30 health clinics in the state where truck drivers can receive a COVID-19 test.
The clinic locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm. It is recommended to call ahead and make an appointment, but it is not required. Some locations have extended hours on certain days. A full list of clinic locations can be found here.
Drivers should bring their CDL and insurance card and expect to wear a mask while visiting the clinic. There is no out-of-pocket expense for the test. Result times vary but average two-to-three business days.
The association notes that a negative test result is a snapshot in time and only indicates that the virus was not present at the time of the test. Individuals can still get sick and should continue to follow distancing guidelines and wash hands often, the group adds. A positive COVID-19 test means you currently have or recently had the virus. Monitor your symptoms and get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, confusion, or bluish lips or face.
Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association’s ongoing appreciation drive for the professionals | The WMCA has delivered appreciation for the work of professional truck drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of 900 $10 Kwik Trip gift cards, which have been in distribution around the state at Kwik Trip locations. The association’s ThankATrucker fundraiser’s proceeds are being used to purchase $10 Kwik Trip gift cards which drivers may use for breakfast, lunch or dinner meals. Through the generous donations of WMCA member companies and individuals, nearly $9,000 was raised within one month. They have so far successfully reached more than 300 drivers, with events ongoing — next up, June 4 at the Kwik Trip in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin.Arizona adding truck parking to 511 site
The Arizona Department of Transportation has added the total number of truck parking spaces at any of the state’s rest areas on the department’s 511 website.
Drivers can click on the ‘Map Legend’ box on the right-hand side of the screen and check the box next to ‘Rest Areas’ to bring up the rest areas on the map. Clicking on a rest area location will show details including the total number of truck spaces.
There currently are 430 total truck parking spaces at the state’s 27 rest area facilities.
Driver named Highway Angel for rescuing driver from burning vehicle
Chad Stoinski, a truck driver from Alpena, Michigan, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for rescuing a driver trapped in a burning vehicle.
Chad StoinskiStoinski was driving through South Dakota in early February when he noticed a vehicle fire up ahead on the right shoulder. He was hauling hazmat at the time, so he drove a safe distance past the vehicle before he stopped.
He then set his flares, grabbed a flashlight and fire extinguisher and ran back to the burning vehicle. When he got there, he worked to keep the flames from spreading. The driver was barely conscious.
Acting quickly, Stoinski broke the window and found that the driver’s seat belt was jammed. He used a rescue tool he carries with him and freed the driver. He got the driver out of the car and walked him to his truck to stay warm while they waited for emergency vehicles.
“He was a young guy, early twenties,” Stoinski said. “At first he was pretty incoherent. But he was able to tell me his name. I offered him oxygen because of all the fumes he’d breathed in.”
Stoinski has an oxygen system in his truck after he had an exhaust manifold leak that caused carbon monoxide poisoning, which now requires him to be on oxygen until his lung capacity improves.
For his willingness to help, Stoinski received a certificate, patch, lapel pin and truck decals. His carrier, Magnum, also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel. EpicVue sponsors the TCA Highway Angel program.
