Special Edition V.21 (April 2020)
CORONAVIRUS NEWS
PPE Supply Order for Truckers
April 2, 2020

Today, MMTA placed an order for PPE with the Kennebec County Emergency Management Agency as reported in previous editions of the MMTA MaineLine E-Newsletter. Unfortunately, the original PPE request process through the Maine CDC has changed, necessitating such orders to go through the county EMA. To further highlight the need for PPE by the trucking industry, we also copied the Governor’s office and the Maine CDC with our request.

MMTA members, since we started collecting requests last Friday, submitted the following needs relative to PPE:

  • N95 Masks: 15,000
  • Nitrile Gloves: 19,000
  • Disposable Shoe Covers: 4,000
  • Sanitation Wipes (container): 5,500

To be clear, we are not sure if we will receive any supplies, let alone the full order of PPE. In our request, we let them know that we do not think our industry’s PPE needs should be prioritized over frontline healthcare workers and first responders. But if/when those needs are met and there are surpluses, we asked that they do what they can to protect our critical industry employees.

Also, we are not sure if we will make a second order, but we have left the order form up online in case the first order is met and we submit another one.
Hilton Garden Inn (Freeport) Offering Discounted Rate for Truckers
April 2, 2020

Below is an email MMTA received from the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. We appreciate their generosity and for recognizing the importance of truck drivers during this emergency.

Good afternoon,

I wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I am Noelle Hotham, the Catering Sales & Events Manager at the Hilton in Freeport. During this global pandemic, we know it has put incredible pressure on transportation drivers.

I wanted to let you know here at the HGI in Freeport we are open. We have set up a discounted rate for all transportation drivers in the event they need a place to stay. Our parking lot is open and can currently accommodate tractor-trailers. Local restaurants are also open for delivery and come to the hotel. I know this is becoming difficult for drivers. Within walking distance is also a very well run market (Bow-street), if they need to stock up on items for their travels.

Our property is located off 295 – Exit 22. If you would like to pass along our information to any drivers to let them know we are here for them and to mention MMTA when calling to book a room we will help them with an affordable rate during this time.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need anything at all.

As a truck driver's daughter, I truly thank you and all transportation drivers. 

Thank you,
-Noelle

Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown
5 Park St
Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865 1433
ConvenientMD Offers Virtual Urgent Care
April 2, 2020

ConvenientMD – We know that a lot of people are staying home even if they might need medical attention. In an effort to better serve our patients and community we have launched a virtual urgent care (telemedicine) program.  The virtual urgent care is available 7 days-a-week, 8-8 pm. Patients can be of any age; however, if under 18, a legal guardian must be present at the time of the virtual urgent care service. It is easy to consult with a ConvenientMD provider for a Virtual Urgent Care visit, call (603) 570-2800. Visit https://convenientmd.com/virtual-visit for more information.

Workplace Health – Augusta and Waterville
April 2, 2020

Workplace Health is continuing to do specimen collection for drug testing. HOWEVER, they are suspending breath alcohol testing because of the health & safety concerns during the pandemic. As of this notice, they remain open for regular hours, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Anyone entering MaineGeneral buildings will be subject to a brief health screening.  

As a reminder, FMCSA issued guidance related to DOT testing during this pandemic. Click here.
Meritor Suspends Activity as Other Suppliers Take Corrective Actions Amid COVID-19
Transport Topics

Commercial vehicle supplier Meritor Inc. announced it halted production at most of its commercial truck facilities throughout North and South America, India and Europe on a temporary basis as a result of the spread of the coronavirus.

Likewise, other suppliers, including Dana Inc., Knorr-Bremse AG, Stoneridge Inc. and Penske Automotive Group were revising operational plans.

Meritor expected its temporary halt could last through the month, or end sooner if conditions improve. As part of the transition, a significant portion of Meritor’s hourly workforce across its manufacturing facilities was laid off. It reduced base salary for all other salaried employees in the United States and Canada by 40% to 50%.


MMTA Editorial Note: This article is particularly bad news given the strain already felt by the supply chain due to COVID-19. We have included the link above so members are aware.
Franchise Restaurants Work Together to Feed Truckers
Transport Topics

Some familiar franchise restaurants are taking steps to provide truck drivers with access to meals and parking while they’re making deliveries to help the nation combat the COVID-19 crisis.

At least seven franchise food companies — Firehouse Subs, Long John Silver’s, McDonald’s, Nathan’s Famous, Ruby Tuesday, Shoney’s and Sonic — are offering additional parking and drive-through accommodations, while Long John Silver’s and Ruby Tuesday are offering discounted meals for truck drivers, according to the International Franchise Association, which is partnering with American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association to help distribute word of the program to truck drivers.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
We will keep MMTA members posted as new information comes in. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to email Tim, Randy or Brian if you have questions.
THANK YOU MMTA ANNUAL SPONSORS
Maine Motor Transport Association
P.O. Box 857
Augusta, ME 04332-0857
ph: (207)623-4128
fax: (207)623-4096