It's been a tough road for truckers to keep stores stocked during coronavirus outbreak
The trucking industry is critical to America's supply chain. And as consumers stock up, demand continues to increase for truckers.
Posted — UpdatedAccording to the North Carolina Trucking Association, nearly 86% of communities in North Carolina depend on trucks to move their goods. A lot of these drivers are constantly on the road, and when they get to the truck stops they find long lines to even make it to the showers.
“No matter what a truck is involved somewhere," said Bernard Ray, a trucker.
This is the life of a trucker, which includes long days and long nights, on the road. Their destination usually ends with bringing goods to your neighborhood store, which have been packed full of customers and shelves that have been wiped clean.
“You get people who are pissed off that the stores are empty, but you can only put so much on a truck, and you can only go so fast," said one trucker, who didn't give his name.
And you can only cover so much ground. The NC Trucking Association estimates truckers in North Carolina cover a total of 7.7 billion miles a year.
"Even if it goes by plane, barge or train, trucks are still part of that transaction, to get it to the airport, a truck brought it there," Ray said.
"I think people need to be a little more friendly toward truckers and understand we are out here for them," Ray said. "Five seconds, get this big beast out of their way."
The trucking association officials we spoke with said it is very important if there is a shelter place order in North Carolina that state run rest stops remain open so truckers will have a place to shower and rest.
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