A COVID lookback during National Trucking Week

COVID-19 has done a lot to change things on the work front, with many setting up offices at home and learning how to hold virtual meetings.

But for truckers, who were quickly classed as essential services, they have had to keep going in the midst of a pandemic.

That effort is being celebrated during National Trucking Week with the usual acknowledgements — subject to COVID restrictions.

“It was definitely different with all of the COVID protocols we had to do in order to hold our celebrations. We’ve managed and we’ve had a good turnout for our barbecue, so we are happy with that,” said Susan Ewart, executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA).

Looking back on the last six months of COVID in our lives, Ewart believes the province’s thousands of truckers have played a big role in keeping the economy moving and doing what they can to ensure goods move while staying safe.

“Things have changed and I think everyone recognizes the critical role that trucking plays to our economic well-being every day,” she said.

“There have been a lot of changes as far as regulations go. When they’re travelling to the U.S., they’re wearing masks and they’re having to sanitize their vehicle. Typically, being a truck driver is a fairly isolating career. You are working on your own, so that has worked in their favour as far as social distancing.

“They are doing the best that they can. We can see that because our economy in Saskatchewan continues to do not too bad. Not that trucking hasn’t been impacted, but they are managing and we still see our store shelves stocked, so that’s a good thing.”

The work of Saskatchewan’s trucking industry has meant drivers have had to constantly cross the border into COVID-ravaged America, but Ewart doesn’t think they’ve been fearful.

“I wouldn’t say it is a fear; it is part of their job and there is obviously some risk,” Ewart said. “But their employers and themselves, they are doing everything they can to protect their people and the drivers as well.

“I think everyone has a little bit of trepidation, even ourselves in travelling somewhere, but they are managing and they are coping the best they can at this particular point.”

The STA has not tracked whether any trucker in Saskatchewan has caught COVID-19 but the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) does keep track of injury rates, including coronavirus.

In an update the WCB provided in early July, Ewart confirmed there weren’t any cases recorded. Ewart believed that’s a good sign that the industry is doing all the things it needs to do to stay safe.

And as National Trucking Week draws to a close, she reminds all drivers to be aware of the work the trucking industry does and to keep truckers safe.

“Please be patient,” she said. “When you are driving around a truck, you have to be careful. They can’t see you. They have to do a wide turn if you are following too close.

“They are thinking about safety on the road as well. They are not only driving for themselves but for everyone on the road and we have a tendency to be a little bit impatient around them, so just be mindful.”