America 1 Logistics is Covid-19 Ready

Following the president’s declaration of a Nationwide Emergency due to the novel Coronavirus in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an interim guidance for the transportation sector that states: 

“Cargo trucking is part of the critical infrastructure essential to maintaining the Nation's continuity of operations in the event of an influenza (flu) pandemic (a worldwide outbreak of a novel flu virus).” 

The US transportation sector will remain active, meaning that truck drivers and logistics professionals need to carefully follow the guidelines for preventative and hygienic practices as outlined by the CDC.

Washing Hands & Social Distancing

Limiting human contact is one of the top preventative measures one can take to avoid exposure to “droplet, aerosol, or contact transmission in the event of a flu pandemic,” states the CDC interim.

Logistics professionals are encouraged to wash hands with warm water and soap several times daily, especially after sneezing, coughing or touching someone else’s hands or potentially contaminated surfaces.

If you’re not able to wash your hands right away, having hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol readily available is an effective backup.

Social distancing is also recommended in the report, defined as “maintaining a distance of 3 feet or more between persons.”

Other safe practices for cargo truckers as outlined in the report include the following:

• Limit the frequency of face-to-face contacts during pickups and deliveries
• Limit casual (social) interactions that normally occur at work
• Do not report to work if you are sick
• Schedule staggered break times
• Establish flexible work hours or alternative delivery schedules
• Use text messaging and personal mobile phones to communicate instead of face-to-face contact
• Avoid conferences and group gatherings during a pandemic

Cab & Trailer Care

Stock up on disinfectant chemicals and wipes that are EPA-approved, never mixing chemicals unless the label instructions state otherwise. 

Wipes are handy for cleaning surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, shift knobs, pens/pencils, barcode scanners and other items that are often touched.

The CDC says to be vigilant about keeping trailers, cabs  and containers regularly cleaned, wiping away soil and dirt, rinsing all surfaces with water and then disinfecting with one of the following:

• Chlorine or sodium hypochlorite (diluted household bleach) 
• Aldehydes (formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are effective but quite toxic!)  
• Quaternary ammonium compounds (such as Lysol spray disinfectant)

America1 Logistics is dedicated to upholding the safety and health procedures outlined by the CDC. As one of the leading logistics companies in Northeast Florida, we will remain open and active as permitted, ready to cooperate with FEMA during this time and during the recovery process to ensure that Americans receive the vital supplies they need to stay safe. For more information, contact us today.

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**Florida truck drivers can read more about the Covid-19 emergency declaration and procedures regarding the transportation sector at FMCSA.