OTA Dispatch Issue 2 2020

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch LIKE MANY OF YOU, I’ve been involved in the trucking industry for a long time, watching as my dad built up a business that I was proud to be a part of and am now lucky enough to run. We’ve seen a lot over the years. We’ve encountered challenges and adapted to changes, all while keeping freight moving; however, I don’t think any of could have anticipated the situation we found ourselves in once COVID-19 reached our shores. State shutdown orders and constantly changing guidelines has not made it easy to continue operating, but, as always, the men and women in the trucking industry have met the challenge head-on and with little complaint. Even without knowing what exactly they were driving into, drivers did not hesitate to ensure that consumers had what they needed for extensive time at home, and medical facilities had the necessary supplies to treat those infected. Support staff back at home base quickly learned how to social distance and still do their jobs. The entire country may have come to a standstill, but trucking did not. One positive from all of this is that many are coming to realize that items don’t just magically appear on store shelves—a truck brings them, and store workers stock them. Seems simple enough to comprehend, but it wasn’t until some shelves were bare that a nationwide lightbulb went off. We, as an industry, are currently enjoying a bit of fame for the hard work we do. Granted, our 15 minutes may be up soon, but I want to encourage all of us to take a moment and bask in the limelight. Truck drivers and others in the industry are always “essential workers” to our businesses, consumers, and the entire economy. While we may not always get the same level of praise as doctors, nurses and first-responders, those in the trucking industry are no less important in fighting against the health and economic damage inflicted by COVID-19. Right now, our biggest challenge is the unknown. On the road, our drivers don’t know whether they’ll be able to get a decent meal or find a place to rest. As they interact with personnel at any number of facilities, they have no idea what they’re being exposed to that could potentially travel back home with them. Increased detention times are disrupting schedules and putting even more stress on a wounded supply chain. Low freight volumes, push back on rates and other issues equal uncertain times ahead. But this isn’t the first time that trucking has faced uncertainty. We may be a humble group, keeping our heads down and just doing our jobs, but it’s this level of commitment and willingness to adapt that will see us through whatever the freight landscape looks like post-pandemic. We serve our communities, but, as OTA members, we’re also part of our own unique community. While some of us may compete in the business world, we all work toward the shared mission of a strong trucking industry in Oregon. As the outbreak ramped up, so did OTA’s efforts to meet the shifting needs of our members. Weekly conference calls kept members updated on both what our elected officials are doing, as well as practical guidance on how to navigate the changes that COVID-19 is bringing to our doorsteps. Online resources and information were expanded on OTA’s website. Members actively engaged and offered up insight and solutions to share with others. OTA staff and sponsors launched a Driver Appreciation Fund and coordinated free meal events for our drivers. All of this and more speaks to the strength and importance of our association and its collective members. At the moment, we don’t know what’s ahead, or when things will return to “normal.” While there’s currently less traffic, that doesn’t mean there aren’t bumpy roads ahead. For now, I just want to thank everyone who has remained dedicated to delivering the goods that Americans are depending on during these difficult times—and who will also be there once the economy reopens and our country gets back to business. 2 2 Andy Owens OTA Chair “One positive from all of this is that many are coming to realize that items don’t just magically appear on store shelves—a truck brings them, and store workers stock them.” Trucking in the Time of COVID-19