OTA Dispatch Issue 2 2020

13 www.ortrucking.org Issue 2 | 2020 JLE TRUCKWASH By Brian Cyrus, JLE TruckWash We have been asked to shed some light on the COVID-19 situation from a fleet cleaning/sanitation perspective. First of all, here’s a big “Shout Out” to the entire transportation industry. We are proud of the men and women at all levels, responsible for filling orders, loading trailers, transporting, and stocking the shelves. You have pulled together, met the challenge, and are keeping America moving forward! At this point, most companies have instituted procedures to combat COVID-19. We are all dedicated to protecting our employees and the public from infection. The extra effort has dividends by boosting confidence and reducing the fear and anxiety so many are experiencing. We all know the virus is spread primarily from an infected person through coughing and sneezing, or from them touching surfaces. The need to keep fleets clean is more important than ever since the universal goal is to eliminate the virus wherever it lingers and poses a risk for infection. Tractor cabs need extra attention. This is where drivers spend most of their time and have lingering exposure. The best practice is to frequently wipe down commonly touched surfaces with an approved disinfectant. The cab should be wiped down at the beginning of each shift, and at the end of each shift. Drivers should wash hands frequently during the day, and every time they get in and out along delivery routes. If a driver is diagnosed with COVID-19, the truck should be taken out of service until it is professionally cleaned. Trailer sanitation is more critical than ever. Door handles and common contact surfaces should be cleaned frequently. Rear doors, lift gates, and even glad hands, electrical connectors, and hand cranks should be sanitized regularly to reduce cross contamination. Interiors can collect and transfer COVID-19 from contamination sources they encounter daily (dock workers, forklifts, freight, drivers, etc.). If you have a regular interior cleaning process, it should be increased. If you don’t have one, you should implement a program proportionate to your contamination risk. The federal FSMA rules provide guidelines for companies hauling foodstuff. FSMA information can be found at www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/fsma/ default.htm. Most management teams are taking the current situation seriously. They are taking steps to protect their employees and the public. We need to continue reasonable precautions and use common sense when going out in public to interact with others. The daily numbers are looking better. We will beat this “pandemic,” and soon the COVID-19 virus will soon be history. Best wishes to all and safe travels. We look forward to getting out and seeing everyone soon! To learn more about JLE TruckWash, visit http://jletruckwash.com . MCKINNEY TRAILERS By Lori Kincannon, VP Marketing & Business Development Mckinney Trailer Rentals has remained open to serve our customers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We had cleaners come in and do extensive cleaning, and we are wiping down everything hourly. We separated employees in the maintenance shops from the offices, so there is no contact between the two areas or possibility of bringing in the virus. We did see an initial surge of business with companies in the food and beverage and e-commerce industries, but we also witnessed many closures and requests for extended terms, etc. We have altered our operating procedures to reflect the current CDC recommendations and are providing contactless trailer pick ups and returns. Mckinney is very thankful for our employees, vendors and customers who are on the front lines daily to keep the supply chain moving! To learn more about Mckinney Trailers, visit https://mckinneytrailers.com .