Truckers are keeping stores stocked

As we get deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are finding more Americans to thank. Until recently, truckers have been behind the scenes just doing their jobs, but join the list of unsung heroes.

Business Insider reported truckers are the reason America's grocery stores, online retailers, hospitals, gas stations and even ATMs have remained stocked. They number 1.9 million. It's estimated that grocery stores would be empty within 2-3 days if truck drivers stopped working.

According to the American Trucking Association, in 2018 trucks moved over 70% of freight (by tonnage), hauled nearly $800 billion in merchandise and employed 7.8 million people throughout our economy.

When pandemic shut down our nation, there were unprecedented layoffs, furloughs and business closures. People were told to stay and work from home; however, truck drivers were told to hit the road. They delivered goods from factories and warehouses to retailers which have been overrun.

Interestingly, when restaurants in most states closed, so did eateries at truck stops. It was further complicated because of social-distancing rules. Drivers couldn't park their big rigs and walk up to the drive-thru windows to get food.

Commercial Carrier Journal interviewed Jim Nicholson, vice president of Loadsmart. "We're seeing more and more facilities not allowing drivers to leave their cab for any reason," he said. Shippers and receivers have instituted a "mixed bag of protocols" regarding social distancing. In most cases that means "fewer options for breaks, restrooms and interactions" for drivers.

Business Insider has been sharing how jobs have changed since the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. Many truckers said they're terrified.

Getting stranded on the road is a constant fear of drivers. When trucking companies go bankrupt, for instance, many drivers might learn about it just as the company shuts down.

"[T]here's one thing all Americans can do right now: Thank a trucker," the ATA concludes. "Especially during trying times like these. Because without them, the disruptions we're experiencing would be something much, much worse."

- Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. Email him at [email protected].