OTA Dispatch Issue 2 2020

11 www.ortrucking.org Issue 2 | 2020 A Look at the Worldwide Pandemic, Its Impact on the Trucking Industry, and Future THE EXTENT OF the COVID-19 impact on work and personal lives continues to be a developing story. At first, the trucking industry could do nothing but react as information constantly changed, keeping up with and adjusting to new rules and recommendations, as well as the closure of other businesses that typically support Oregon carriers—especially our truck drivers. As an essential industry, trucking just kept going; however, some members made adjustments on the fly to keep freight moving and their workers safe. Some stopped sending drivers for more than one- day deliveries, fearing the receiver would shut their doors prior to delivery. Many drivers experienced a lack of access to food and lodging at the start of the “shelter in place” executive order because many businesses had temporarily shut down their businesses so they too could find new ways to serve clients and customers. Personal protective equipment (masks, sanitizer, etc.) was in short supply all over, but especially for non-healthcare workers. Drivers also had to figure out how to stay six feet away while making picking up and dropping off shipments. Safety, while always a priority for trucking, suddenly had a whole new layer as the fight against COVID-19 ramped up. Luckily, other businesses quickly responded and adapted. After all, “necessity is the mother of invention.” Restaurants implemented “walk- up delivery” for big rigs that won’t exactly fit through a drive-thru. Hotels started offering discounted room rates to essential workers. Here in Oregon, rest areas remained open— unlike other areas of the country. Organizations donated personal protective equipment, and other safety products became available within a few weeks as many manufacturers switch their focus from pre-pandemic products to what was needed now. After this pandemic passes, everyone will have a story to share, but here are some accounts—in their own words—from different trucking industry companies and allied organizations on how they handled the pandemic or how it impacted their routines. BLUE ARCH TECHNOLOGIES By Ken Smith, President What has changed the most from an IT perspective is the use of cloud computing and VoIP technologies. Some businesses that were fearful of putting their data in the cloud are now are clamoring for the cloud-based file systems, such as Egnyte, which provide easy remote access and encrypted connections and are typically faster and easier to work with for users than a typical Virtual Private Network (VPN). The other big change is a push for voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems. With a VoIP phone system, employees can have a business phone with them in their home office or even a “soft” phone running on their company laptop. Those two things—cloud computing and VoIP, are the fastest growing projects on our to do lists. Honestly, our clients who had already adopted those two technologies were largely unaffected by moving their workforce to a remote scenario. A lot of businesses’ concern before the pandemic was, “I don’t want to move my stuff to the cloud,” and “What if I can’t get to the cloud?” Now they are thinking, “What if I can’t get to my building?” The reality is a good cloud-based strategy that allows for both scenarios, typically referred to as a “hybrid” approach, makes a lot more sense now. To learn more about Blue Arch Technologies, visit www.bluearchtech.com . CHEMEKETA TRUCK DRIVING PROGRAM By Mike Cupp, Truck Driving Instructor Chemeketa Community College launched its Truck Driving program in late 2019. Recognizing the critical need for truck drivers in Oregon, this four-week program was developed to prepare drivers to earn their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and pass state-required testing, while making sure they are “industry ready.” The College successfully graduated two class cycles before being put on hold due to the state’s current “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order which prevents the College from holding classes in person. While many programs are able to front-load classroom learning and operate remotely, the Truck Driving program’s hands-on component and short time to completion make it impossible to offer all 160 hours of course time digitally. “The health and safety of our students and community is our priority,” said Paul Davis, Chemeketa’s director of Career and Technical Education. “We plan to have the truck driving program up and running as soon as we are able to safely do so.” In the meantime, Chemeketa has volunteered to use the program’s tractor-trailer to transport essential food supplies to local food banks in need. Mike Cupp, Chemeketa’s truck driving instructor, has delivered 16 pallets of food boxes to the Marion Polk Food Share, with more deliveries scheduled in the coming weeks. To learn more about Chemeketa’s Truck Driving program, visit go.chemeketa.edu/truckdriving.