In light of the abrupt and drastic changes caused by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, we have all faced a number of challenges both at home and at work. Through it all, the trucking industry has continued to power the U.S. economy.
Maintenance facilities, by virtue of their responsibilities to ensure fleet vehicles stay running, are considered essential businesses. The service and repair of vehicles, and the assurance that preventive maintenance continues to be completed in order to avoid vehicle downtime, would not be possible without an open maintenance facility.
The impact
While being an essential business during the time of a national crisis means an operation continues to run, it does not do so without changes in the day-to-day processes.
With additional potential risks of COVID-19 exposure to essential employees, many fleets have taken additional steps to limit the exposure and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Things like staggered lunch shifts and breaks are being practiced, as well as introducing alternative methods to limit physical contact like foregoing handshakes and not sharing writing utensils. Some maintenance operations have even opted to create more distance between working employees by keeping alternating bays empty. All of these practices have placed added steps to the entire maintenance process.
That’s not to mention the additional cleaning and disinfecting necessary to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Some fleets have created hygiene kits for drivers, while others have set up additional hand sanitizer kiosks throughout the building.
Part of the challenge is the general shared areas of not only the shop, but inside the truck cab.
A Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) task force within the S.4 Cab & Control study group expedited the finalization of an update to RP 443 In-Cab Cleaning and Deodorizing Guidelines in order to provide steps to clean and disinfect truck cabs. The updated RP was already in development as an alternative method to mitigating bed bug infestations, but it had been discovered the processes being explored for this alternative method, using chlorine dioxide, also help to safely and effectively sanitize and disinfect the truck cab. This means the process can also be employed to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To read more about the development of the updated RP to clean and disinfect truck cabs, head to VehicleServicePros.com/21131730.
Speaking of TMC, the organization also conducted a survey in late March to understand members’ concerns and the anticipated impact the coronavirus may have on maintenance operations. Nearly half of respondents (48 percent) indicated they already had an operational disaster mitigation plan in place, per directives outlined in TMC’s Recommended Practice (RP) Disaster Recovery for Vehicle Maintenance Operations – which presumably was enacted in response to the pandemic.
This survey specifically addressed the staff preparation and the potential impact on the supply chain for shop supplies, like gloves and uniforms, as well as fluids such as fuel and lubricants. Respondents indicated that they had seen no impact, or a minor impact, on these shop supplies currently. Respondents also indicated, however, that they do anticipate the impact could become more moderate through the month of April.
The main issue – pandemic or not – has been the recruitment and hiring of technicians. Respondents noted this pressing industry challenge may be compounded due to the national response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
TMC plans to conduct a follow-up survey in April.
Looking to the future
The resilience of our industry has proven itself time and again, whether that’s through challenges such as the 2008 recession, or the impact on the economy after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Situations like these can have a direct impact on the economy, which also has a direct impact on our industry. The challenges will always be there, but it’s how we face them and the attitude we keep that can make the difference on how we come out on the other side of this.
Know that our editorial staff is working hard to ensure information gets to you. We will continue to provide updates on how the COVID-19 pandemic has been directly impacting the trucking industry. Be sure to check back for updates regularly at VehicleServicePros.com/covid-19.
I am always interested to hear how events like this, as well as any other challenges (and successes) may be directly impacting your fleet. As you take notes to reflect on how your business has dealt with these current events, I’d like to know how you’re facing the change. I look forward to continuing the conversation with each of you.
