The trucking industry is certainly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Scott Derosier is the Vice-President of Wisconsin Nationwide Transportation in Two Rivers. He tells us their 50-drivers are working round-the-clock supplying products to the food, construction and manufacturing sectors.
Derosier explains his fleet includes 45 over the road drivers with 5-others delivering and picking up freight in northeast Wisconsin for their lakeshore terminal.
He stated drivers are under more stress as many states are closing rest areas and replacing public bathrooms with porta-potties if they’re allowed to use them in the first place.
Truckers are also challenged by getting meals as many states are closing restaurants for sit-down service and drive-thru’s or carryout has its’ limitations. With that being said, truckers do have refrigeration in their cabs so they’re now bringing more supplies with them.
On the bright side, Derosier explains there’s less traffic enabling drivers to make better time on the roads. He says truck drivers take a lot of pride keeping America open and the average consumer may have greater appreciation now for the commercial drivers when they see the challenge of filling empty store shelves.
Derosier said his immediate concern is that if the pandemic situation continues, he sees a lot of trucks being taken off the road as non-essential businesses, including those in Wisconsin, are closing.
He says Wisconsin Nationwide tries to make phonecalls to their business clients to confirm they’re still shipping and-receiving products.
Derosier tries to stay optimistic stating, “when we do come out of this we’ll see a huge surge.”
