As the country gradually begins to reopen after the COVID-19 lockdown, many businesses are still trying to figure out what the new normal will look like as they begin to bring employees back to work. The trucking industry is no different. Even though trucking was deemed an essential service, and truck drivers served our country by transporting much needed goods, COVID-19 has still necessitated changes in the industry.
So what should you consider for your employees as we move into the new normal? Here are a few tips based on what this global pandemic has taught us.
1. Consider who needs to be in the office and who can work remotely.
As we reopen the economy, we still need to be careful to maintain social distancing so that we can hopefully prevent another wave of the virus. During the lockdown, we learned that many positions can easily be done from home using existing technology. Trucking companies should therefore try to reduce the number of employees in the office by considered which positions really need office time and which can be done remotely.
For example, it is likely you will find that your drivers and dispatchers will be the ones to benefit most from office time while sales and support staff and accounting positions might easily be able to be done from home.
2. Leverage existing technology.To facilitate your remote workers and even help to reduce contact between employees who still need to come into the office, there are a number of technologies that you can use to help facilitate communication and collaboration. These include things such as: Instant messaging, Video conferencing, Cloud based file sharing, Geotab devices and transportation management software such as that offered by Trux Solutions.
3. Sanitization and safety protocols
In the wake of COVID-19, trucking companies will also have to consider what protocols they need to ensure contactless transactions between drivers and clients. Keep lines of communication open to negotiate the best ways to do this.
You should also consider additional efforts to keep your drivers safe such as regular cab cleanings and the distribution of PPE for times when your drivers cannot social distance from others.
As we reopen the economy, keeping your employees safe should be your number one priority. For assistance in implementing technology that can help with this, contact Trux Solutions today.
