As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps through the country, the ensuing lockdowns and stay-at-home orders have affected every industry, and both trucking and heavy haul are not immune. Although our work is considered essential, there are several obstacles due to widespread shutdowns that have prevented business as usual for heavy haulers. Here’s a look at how COVID-19 has impacted our industry.
Nationwide Slowdowns
Many states have put a pause on all but the most essential activities. And while construction continues in some, others have halted projects, slowing down the transport of oversize loads needed for construction work. The supply chain has also been impacted, as restrictions prevent materials from being delivered.
Lack of Resources
The price of oil has dropped, and many gas stations along oversize load routes have temporarily closed. This poses a risk for heavy haulers and their escorts, who now need to stop and refuel more often in case they’re unable to access fuel later in their route.
Crew Safety
Heavy haul and escort crews have been following strict safety guidelines per CDC recommendations. When traveling long distances, it’s become harder to find lodging along an oversize route, as some hotels have closed due to being short on staff and not wanting to pose health risks to their customers. This affects how long crews will ultimately have to travel before stopping for rest.
The Transition to Working from Home
The transition of most companies to working from home has resulted in a delay in processing payments and invoices, affecting revenue to the heavy haul and escort industry. To compensate, some businesses have been accepting initial deposits and milestone payments for their heavy load transports.
Kenco Bucket Trucks is operating as usual, and we’re taking the necessary precautions to keep our employees and crews safe. We’ll get through this challenging time together, and we encourage you to get in touch with us to see how we can safely escort your essential oversize loads.
