The American Trucking Associations has filed a letter Tuesday to the White House, addressed to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, asking that they remove barriers that could impede delivery of necessities during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and to address questions surrounding closure of facilities like state DMVs.
Citing what the group says has resulted in “confusion and lack of clarity…causing delays and problems,” ATA asked the White House to remove restrictions around trucking services delivering goods and supplies related to the virus outbreak.
The letter was sent Tuesday, and the U.S. DOT on Wednesday did expand the hours of service waivers in place for drivers hauling loads related to transporting medical supplies and equipment, fuel and restocking of stores after the surge in buying last week.
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ATA has also asked the White House to keep rest areas open to provide drivers with places to park and to provide guidance around the health of drivers, including testing for COVID-19. “Clear guidance on public health assets is important to our employees, just like it is for all other Americans, and our drivers are typically away from home,” the letter states.
“Absent policies like these, it will be more difficult to ensure that the shelves are stocked and emergency supplies reach first responders and medical personnel. The efforts to keep us safe, healthy and supplied are shared by government, private citizens and businesses alike. Trucking will continue to do its part in these difficult times. In this current crisis, we ask for your help in supplying America, together.”
