Truck drivers “are ready and willing to help” with the distribution of upcoming COVID-19 vaccines according to the Vice President of the Florida Trucking Association.
Although COVID-19 vaccines are yet to be approved by the FDA, the government, military, and trucking industry alike are already looking ahead at distribution, and the logistics are still very unclear.
The FDA is scheduled to review Pfizer’s application for emergency use authorization of their vaccine on December 10th, while a review of Moderna’s application is set for December 17th. But even with the actual approval of the vaccine weeks away, Florida Trucking Association Vice President, Alix Miller, says that truckers are ready to lend a hand.
“We are ready and willing and able to help as soon as we are needed,” Miller said in an interview with Action News Jax.
“I think one thing that people are seeing with this pandemic is how vital, how important and how professional these drivers are. So I hope that it will bring in a new generation of drivers to see what an important and fulfilling job it can be,” Miller continued.
Although Miller says it is still too soon to know just how many drivers and trucks will be needed, she says she believes the Florida trucking industry in particular is well prepared for this type of situation.
“We obviously know that they would need refrigerated trucks for that, and our association members and trucking and transportation are absolutely preparing for that and are ready and equal to the task for this,” she said.
“When it comes to the pandemic, we are ahead of the curve compared to other states — simply because we, as an industry, are so used to handling hurricanes and what happens right before, during and after.”
Miller also added that she is in “constant contact” with the Department of Emergency Management and is awaiting guidance from the CDC before formulating an exact plan.
According to the federal government, as many as 40 million coronavirus vaccine doses could be available by the end of December, and truck drivers may be among the first to receive it.
To hear clips from Miller’s interview, click here.