American Truck Drivers Are Underappreciated Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Apr 01, 2020

Doctors and nurses across the globe are being praised for their tireless work in the bid to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

One group of essential workers, however, are not getting the recognition they deserve for their labor during the pandemic: Truck Drivers. These drivers are risking their lives on a daily basis to make sure grocery stores stay stocked with essential items.

One driver, Jesse Paez, spoke to the Inside Edition about his work during these difficult times.

"I know all of us truck drivers are putting ourselves in harm's way, but we have to," Paez said. "It's our jobs."

Paez, who transports milk for a living, told the publication that his family worries about him when he’s at work.

"They do ask me why I go out there," he said. "I just explain to them it's very necessary to keep the product flowing."

Ross Simpson, who is also a Truck Driver, said the pandemic is the biggest challenge he’s had to face in his 34 years on the job.

"We struggle to find places to eat, places to take showers," Simpson told the publication. "We have to still go do our jobs and we run the risk of bringing it back to our families and it is definitely on our minds."

As a result of the virus, many companies are now implementing strict health and safety measures so drivers are not at risk when they are on the road. Simpson explained that drivers are not able to enter warehouses at the moment, while Paez said physical contact is kept to the bare minimum.

"No handshakes, no knuckle bumps when you see your buddies out there," Paez revealed. 

Another driver, Dawn De La Rosa, told the Inside Edition that he is at risk as he is diabetic and is thus taking extra precautions. 

"I use gloves when I fuel and I use a lot of hand sanitizer," De La Rosa said.

These drivers are of high importance at the moment, as they make sure shelves stay stocked with crucial items during the ongoing lockdown. According to All Trucking, there are currently roughly 3.5 million drivers across the USA working around the clock.

"We have your back America," Simpson said. "The trucking industry has your back."

Do you know of any other unsung heroes amid the COVID-19 crisis? Let us know in the comments – and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!