Latest News This Week In Trucking
We're starting a new weekly series where we cover the top headlines that happened each week in the trucking industry. To help you stay on track and be up to date with what's going on in the world today, be sure to check in each week for an update!
With all the news in the past couple of months being focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, these are the 3 most important trucking headlines we think are important for you to know:
TA opens Texas truck stop, announces plans for Tennessee location with 300 truck parking spaces
By Ashley
There was an announcement that TA opened a new Texas truck stop off of I-30 at Exit 147. It used to be Duke's Travel Plaza! "The Mt. Vernon location features amenities including 53 truck parking spaces, Cotton Belt BBQ and Taco Casa restaurants, private showers, laundry facilities, and an “elaborate dog park” (Ashley). They also announced that they will be opening a Tennessee location in the first quarter of 2021. This location will have 300 truck parking spots and will be located off I-24 at exit 135. "Other planned amenities include Papa John’s, Bojangles’ and Betty’s Kitchen restaurants, a barbershop, a fitness center, a driver’s lounge, and pet washing facilities" (Ashley). It all sounds awesome for truck drivers!!
For more details on these new openings, check it out here!
Truckers feel more appreciated amid new challenges on America’s roadways
By John Snell
The fight against the Coronavirus pandemic is continuous... With more people understanding that truck drivers move our economy, they are feeling more appreciated than ever during the times now. As the article says, "The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the fact that America’s economy rolls on the back of the nation’s trucking fleet" (John Snell). New and veteran drivers are saying that the coronavirus has come with new challenges that they have never seen before. With it being hard to find showers, parking, food, etc. They are under even more stress than before! Some drivers are worried that small transportation companies might end up going under if this continues for more months. Small companies don't have as many big contracts as those of large trucking companies. The way this will end is unknown, but we appreciate truckers today and always!
Check out more on the ways truckers are feeling appreciated by clicking here!
Mack produces personal protective equipment at truck-manufacturing facility
By The Trucker News Staff
In light of all that is going on, the Mack engineers have come together to help produce protective equipment! "Mack Trucks donated about 500 pieces of personal protective equipment that were manufactured at its Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania (The Trucker News Staff). They also began producing ear guards for extra protection to those that are wearing face masks. Not only has Mack donated and made many personal protection items, but they also donated money recently. "They donated $10,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania to help those with food insecurity" (The Trucker News Staff). We are thankful for companies like this that help out in any way they can!
Check out the details on all they have done to help by clicking here!