In the midst of the Coronavirus crisis, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has demanded that truck stops stay open to serve the men and women of the trucking industry who are keeping the nation functioning.
As more and more U.S. businesses, including restaurants, close to try to slow the spread of COVID-19, the FMCSA has asked truck stops to buck the trend and to remain open in order to serve the trucking community.
In a March 17 letter to the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), FMCSA acting administrator Jim Mullen wrote:
“As the Nation comes to grips with the realities of COVID-19, I am writing to let you know that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recognizes the integral role that travel centers and truck stops play in the Nation’s supply chain. All of your members must heed CDC guidelines and follow state and local restrictions. In the coming weeks and months, it will be critical that these businesses remain open, 24 hours per day, providing America’s truck drivers with fuel, food, showers, repair services, and opportunities to rest. The continuing operation of America’s truck stops will enable truck drivers to confidently transport essential goods, such as food and medical supplies, throughout the country.
Please let us know if we can be helpful to your members as they continue to fulfill this important mission.”
NATSO, which is America’s only truck stop trade group, also issued a March 17 statement pointing toward their commitment to remaining open through the COVID-19 crisis.
“Truck drivers are depending on truckstops and travel centers as they deliver food and life-saving supplies. Our members are committed to doing their part during the nation’s response to this emergency,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “As the nation confronts the coronavirus outbreak, the country’s travel centers and truckstops are committed to remaining open and serving America’s drivers. Fuel retailers are ‘essential’ businesses that must remain open even if other ‘nonessential’ businesses are forced to close.”
For official statements from major truck stops on the Coronavirus response, please click here.