Freight And Logistics: Supporting The Community Through COVID-19

Although COVID restrictions are easing, it’s a good time to reflect on the critical role the trucking industry has played in supporting communities—not only throughout this crisis, but in every other crisis and also in more comfortable times. So, let’s take at the look at what our truckies, operators and service providers have been up to over the past months, and the tireless work they’ll continue to do through recovery and beyond. Goods must go The movement of essential goods is top priority on any given day, and especially during a pandemic. Medical Trucks are used to deliver medicine, medical equipment and personal protective equipment, such as masks and gowns, all over Australia. And where would we be without a convoy to pick up the millions of new COVID-19 tests arriving from overseas? Food From primary producers to local grocery stores and big chain supermarkets, and then on to the waiting hands of everyday consumers, truckies continue to bring us vast amounts of food and groceries each day. Keeping the nation well supplied is no easy feat. But besides transporting food to stores and direct to households, others are in the food rescue business. One such organisation is OzHarvest, fighting the good fight against food wastage and insecurity, and using their trucks to deliver millions of meals to vulnerable communities all over Australia. Mail, metal and everything in between Whatever freight task is involved, whether it’s transporting building supplies, carrying the daily post or doing interstate e-commerce runs, there’s sure to be a truck and a truckie involved. Our freight and logistics industry is working overtime to keep the nation moving during COVID-19, and businesses such as Target Transport Services are no exception—delivering in-demand materials to construction projects all over south-east Queensland. Knocking at your door Aside from carting the A–Z of conceivable goods and materials, trucks also support an array of essential services. Just close your eyes and imagine any emergency, council or maintenance service… and there’s sure to be a truck backing operations. They might come in the very visible form of an ambulance or a fire rescue truck, or they might be one of those ‘hidden in plain sight’ trucks you see but don’t really see, just getting the job done each day. Let’s take a look. Council services Collecting waste, trimming trees or carrying out road works, trucks are relied on by councils to deliver essential community services. Like many local councils, the Shire of Esperance employs a fleet of trucks to provide the community with services big and small. Utilities Some of the most important things in life are the most mundane—we wouldn’t get far through our day without electricity, gas, water or sewerage services! Managing Australia’s utilities is a massive task, and calls for hundreds of companies like Taswater who uses an army of trucks to carry out crucial infrastructure maintenance. Repairs and maintenance It’s a tall order to list the essential repair and maintenance jobs that happen every day, even during the COVID-19 lockdown. Heating, cooling, roofing, landscaping, plumbing, grounds maintenance, and even installing your new telly… There are tradies and trucks out on the road visiting homes and businesses to get things sorted. JLM Plumb N’ Gasfit and their hardworking truck know firsthand that these sorts of jobs just never stop. Round of applause If the long months of COVID-19 have taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take anything for granted, including our ability to obtain essential goods and services. With this in mind, it’s never been a better time to recognise the critical work truckies, transport operators and service providers are undertaking during this chapter of unprecedented demand—and the good work they’ll continue to do day in, day out. For that, we think three cheers are in order! Are you running a transport operation or employing staff? Have a look at our blog for expert advice on insulating your business during COVID-19.