Pub. 1 2020 Issue 2

42 Kentucky Trucker Kentucky Trucking Association chief economist for the World Trade Organization, the economic blow from COVID-19 has been faster and more severe than the effect of World War II, minus the destruction of physical assets. But there is also a great deal of uncertainty; the current situation is unknown territory for everyone throughout the world. Experts are already conducting surveys to determine how the virus is affecting the trucking industry so that decisions can be based on facts instead of guesses. For example, the American Transportation Research Institute and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Foundation are working together to understand the impact of the virus on drivers. One thing the trucking industry does have abundantly right now is gratitude from company owners and the general public. It has never been more evident that trucking plays a vital role in making sure that people get the goods and services they need. It is the No. 1 job in 29 states. It keeps 3.5 million professional truck drivers employed, and also provides work for another 7.7 million people who have truck-related jobs. On March 25, 2020, more than 460 members of the commercial motor vehicle industry joined Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and the acting administrator for Federal Motor Carrier Safety, Jim Mullen, in a conference call. During the call, Chao praised the work being done by drivers during the pandemic. FMCSA has issued an exemption for some hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers that are involved in relief efforts or that are hauling resources such as fuel and raw materials. FMCSA has also given some drivers limited exemptions if their commercial license, learner permits, and medical certifications have lapsed. Efforts are also being made to keep rest areas open for drivers during off-duty time. Chao noted that Joel Szabat, DOT’s acting undersecretary for policy, has been actively involved with the White House Coronavirus Task Force led by Vice President Mike Pence. Finally, she asked stakeholders to commu- nicate with the government about concerns and issues because that communication will help everyone do a better job of dealing with COVID-19. Truckers sometimes suffer from low self-esteem, but the current crisis — in which truckers are genuinely valued for the vital work they are doing — may help with that problem. continued from page 41