Guidelines for Truck Drivers Delivering Essential Goods to COVID-19 Hot Spots

Truck drivers across the country are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Many state-run rest stops are closing or, cutting back on parking space along key logistics corridors. Dine-in restaurants have shuttered or limited services to take-out only to comply with CDC recommendations aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.

Drivers delivering critical goods to COVID-19 hot spots are at greatest risk. Now more than ever, essential transportation personnel need to follow CDC guidelines and best practices to stay safe.

On March 26, the CDC issued a press release providing additional information for truck drivers delivering goods to Greater New York City area clarifying what social distancing, stay-at-home and self-quarantine guidance means for them. These guidelines may also apply to other areas with a high concentration of COVID-19 cases. We hope this recap will make it easier for truck drivers to stay safe and healthy:

CDC Statement on Self-Quarantine Guidance for Greater New York City Transportation and Delivery Workers

The CDC says that truck drivers entering the city to deliver needed supplies should:

• Stay in their cabs if they can during loading and unloading
• When out of the truck, stay the recommended distance of six feet away from others as much as possible
• Move to electronic receipts to help limit the need for physical contact or exchanging documents
• Those who need to stay overnight in the New York City area should stay in a hotel room or in sleeper cab

Drivers who take these precautions should not need to self-quarantine when they leave the greater New York area unless that’s what is recommended by state or local officials where they live.

Truck drivers who pick up or deliver to the greater New York area and also live there can still work, but should stay at home and practice social distancing when they are not.

This is in addition the normal tips – washing hands, staying home when sick, sneezing or coughing into your elbow and practicing social distancing.

You can read the CDC’s Press Release on their website. We’ve also pulled together a few additional tips to keep you safe and healthy on the road during this pandemic crisis.