Keeping Canada and America’s trucking industry moving during this ongoing battle against the spread of COVID-19 means that commercial truck rest areas must remain open and accessible to North American truck drivers at the front lines of keeping both economies functioning.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and the American Trucking Association (ATA) are imploring all levels of government to keep public rest areas open during declarations of emergency.
“Not only do the rest areas need to remain open, we need to ensure that if this crisis is extended, food needs to be available for drivers at these areas along with sanitary and safe restroom facilities,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “Drivers all over the country are ready to respond to this crisis, keep the supply chain moving and ensure store shelves are stocked; but in order to do that, they need access to basic sanitation and be able to continue to manage fatigue as they respond to this emergency.”
The Canadian and US economies depend on the trucking industry to deliver all the essential products Canadians and Americans require in these uncertain times, including medical and sanitation supplies fighting this virus as well as other emergency relief and food products.
“These hard-working men and women deserve and need a place to safely park their vehicles to rest as well as get food. We need to help our nation’s drivers more than ever – truck drivers will play a key role in fighting COVID-19. Shutting down the very few safe places they can rest, shower, fuel up and eat is not something anyone wants and will eventually disrupt the delivery of essential goods Canadians and Americans desperately need right now,” added Laskowski.
CTA is calling on governments to develop plans ensuring our drivers are well rested, fed and have proper access to clean washrooms throughout this crisis.
CTA has also been in touch with NATSO, Representing America’s Travel Centers and Truckstops, regarding truck stop hours and staying in communication. NATSO shared this statement from the US federal government, which offers support in keeping truck stops open throughout the country: Letter – NATSO_public