Vocational Drivers Are Still Working Hard During Coronavirus

The Tough Road for Truckers is Shared by Vocational Drivers

Since the spread of the Coronavirus began a few months ago, certain groups of workers have been recognized for their efforts on the front line, including healthcare and grocery store workers and truck drivers. While the efforts by all of these groups to keep America safe and stocked up on essential medical and grocery items cannot be understated, another group of dedicated workers has also been working just as hard but without the same amount of attention — America's vocational drivers.

Although vocational drivers do not rack up the number of miles or days away from home that long-haul truckers do, their efforts are also critical in keeping the country going during the pandemic. In a recent survey, 84 percent of commercial and corporate fleets reported that they had not been mandated to close their businesses as a result of COVID-19, meaning that drivers of all types have been putting in long hours and working steadily while millions across the country saw a reduction in business.

City Bus Drivers

Among the vocational drivers still going strong through the pandemic are city bus drivers. While most school bus drivers have been out of work for weeks, many cities nationwide have still maintained their bus transportation systems — even as stay at home orders were put into place. Even under normal conditions, city bus drivers have been shown to have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses out of all occupations and rank in the 78^th percentile for being in personal close physical proximity to others according to a New York Times analysis.

As the nation struggles to keep all of its frontline workers protected, many city bus lines are implementing measures such as boarding passengers from the back to avoid contact with the drivers, ramping up vehicle and station cleaning protocols, and requiring masks for both drivers and passengers.

Waste Management

Many don't consider their local garbage man a hero, but it's no secret that refuse and waste management workers play a key role in the Coronavirus response. Waste disposal and recycling is a tough job that most don't want under normal circumstances, but many people don't realize that waste management is also important to curb the spread of disease.

This vocation has been deemed by the Department of Homeland Security as part of its critical infrastructure, and it's easy to see why. According to the CDC, the improper disposal of medical and other types of waste can result in everything from parasitic infections to more serious types of infections and can create an environment where illnesses spread more easily.

Last-Mile Delivery Drivers

Stay at home orders and social distancing guidelines have created increased online shopping and grocery orders, and the last-mile delivery drivers are busier than ever fulfilling orders. With orders reaching numbers that typically only happen during the holiday season, Amazon and other online businesses are struggling to find their footing during the pandemic. This makes conditions ever-changing and hectic for last-minute delivery drivers who are trying to fulfill orders while also keeping themselves safe.

UberEats, Amazon, and other popular online ordering services have been updated with options that mitigate the risk of virus spread, such as leaving orders at the door to avoid personal contact and requiring gloves and masks when in-person delivery cannot be avoided.

We're Still Here for Your Hard-Working Vocation

No matter what vocation you work in, we are here to make sure your truck or fleet stays up and running as we ride this wave through Coronavirus together.

Our customer service is still actively supporting customers remotely, and our parts distribution centers remain operational at standard business hours and capacity. Our e-commerce website is also open 24/7/365 to help you get what you need so you can get back on the road with confidence until the job is done. Whether it's a specific brand, part category, or part number you're looking for, we can help you find what you need, when you need it.

We are still here for you – let's do this together.