Trevor James
During the pandemic, truck drivers were deemed essential to society, with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lifting restrictions on the number of hours that drivers could work. However, when it comes to vaccine distribution, truck drivers are not considered frontline essential workers and are categorized as phase 1c, meaning they are not prioritized for vaccination. This has sparked concerns among truck drivers, who are lobbying to be recognized as essential workers and moved up on the priority list for the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite their efforts, polls suggest that many truck drivers do not intend to receive the vaccine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are truck drivers considered essential workers? | Yes, truck drivers are considered essential workers employed in transportation and logistics. |
| Are they frontline workers? | No, they are not considered frontline workers. |
| Are they considered essential for delivering the COVID-19 vaccine? | Yes, they are considered essential for delivering the COVID-19 vaccine. |
| Are they prioritised for the vaccine? | No, they are not prioritised for the vaccine. |
| Are they willing to take the vaccine? | According to a poll, 79% of truck drivers responded that they would not take the COVID-19 vaccine. |
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What You'll Learn
Truck drivers' essential worker status
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of certain workers who are essential to the functioning of society. Truck drivers are among those who have been deemed essential workers during this time. They have been responsible for delivering food, disinfectant cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, and even the COVID-19 vaccines themselves. Despite their essential role, truck drivers have not been given priority access to the vaccine in most places.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized truck drivers as "phase 1c" in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, indicating that they are not considered "frontline essential workers," who would fall into "phase 1b". This categorization has sparked concerns among truck drivers and advocates who believe that their role in ensuring the delivery of essential goods and services warrants a higher priority for vaccination.
The American Trucking Associations have requested that the CDC place truck drivers higher on the priority list. They argue that the entire vaccine distribution process relies on truck drivers, and a shortage of drivers due to COVID-19 infections could disrupt the supply chain. Supply chain experts, such as Tray Anderson from Cushman & Wakefield, and academics like Dr. Michael Lemke, a former truck driver and professor at the University of Houston-Downtown, have supported this cause. Dr. Lemke highlights the unique risks faced by truck drivers, who travel long distances and encounter various people along their routes.
While some states, like Kentucky, have considered truck drivers as essential workers and included them in Phase 1C of their vaccination plans, the lack of centralized coordination in vaccine distribution across the country has led to inconsistencies. This has resulted in truck drivers expressing concern about their access to the vaccine and their safety while performing their essential work.
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Vaccine priority lists
Healthcare workers and those in long-term care facilities have generally been at the top of the list for receiving COVID-19 vaccines. This group typically includes doctors, nurses, and other medical staff who are directly involved in treating patients with the virus. Residents and staff of residential care centers for the elderly are also often prioritized due to the higher risk of severe illness among older adults.
Following healthcare workers and long-term care residents, many vaccine priority lists have focused on high-risk population groups. This includes elderly individuals, typically those aged 65 and above, and people with underlying medical conditions or chronic comorbidities. These individuals are more likely to experience severe illness or complications from COVID-19, making their prioritization crucial.
Essential workers, including frontline workers such as first responders and early education staff, have also been included in vaccine priority lists. However, their placement on the list has varied across different regions. Some states or countries have assigned essential workers to a lower priority group than recommended by federal or central government guidance. This variation highlights the complex considerations involved in vaccine distribution.
In addition to these general trends, there have been specific discussions around the inclusion of certain groups, such as truck drivers, who are vital for supply chain logistics. While some truck drivers have been categorized as "phase 1c," indicating a lower priority, there have been lobbying efforts to move them up the list. This is because the safe delivery of vaccines and essential supplies relies on these workers, and their exposure to various locations and people during their work puts them at significant risk.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, and vaccine priority lists have been a critical tool in allocating limited vaccine resources. The varying approaches to prioritization reflect the complex nature of this global health crisis and the need to balance protecting the most vulnerable with maintaining essential functions in society.
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Truck drivers' health risks
Truck drivers are essential workers who have been lobbying to be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine. They are currently categorised as "phase 1c" in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, meaning they are not considered "frontline essential workers".
Truck driving is a stressful occupation with few opportunities for healthy living. Long-haul truck drivers may experience depression due to stress, isolation, and job demands, including extended periods away from family and friends. They may also face unclear expectations from employers and customers, violence, and discrimination, all of which can negatively impact their mental well-being.
Truck drivers are more likely to be overweight compared to other workers, and this can increase the risk of other health problems. They have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity than the US adult population. This is partly due to the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet and finding opportunities to exercise while on the road. Healthy food options can be hard to find, and truck stops often lack exercise facilities or well-lit walking paths.
Long-haul truck drivers are also at risk of inadequate sleep, which can have a detrimental impact on their health and safety. They are permitted to drive for up to 11 hours within a 14-hour period, and this, coupled with the stress of the job, can lead to sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses.
Additionally, the nature of the job, which involves travelling long distances and frequent stops, exposes truck drivers to various illnesses. They come into contact with many people at truck stops, rest areas, restaurants, and drop-off/pick-up points, increasing their risk of contracting infectious diseases.
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Truck drivers' working conditions
Truck drivers are not currently considered "frontline essential workers" in the context of vaccine distribution. They are categorized as "phase 1c", which means they are not in the "phase 1b" group of frontline essential workers. However, some people, including a UHD professor and the head of the American Truckers Associations, argue that truck drivers should be considered essential workers and prioritized for the vaccine. This is because they are responsible for delivering the vaccine across the country and are exposed to various hotspots and people along the way.
Truck driving can be a demanding profession, with long hours spent alone on the road. Drivers often work nights, weekends, and holidays, and can be away from home for extended periods. They may work more than 40 hours a week to ensure timely deliveries, with regulated hours that limit them to no more than 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. After this, they must take at least 34 hours off before starting another run. Their work involves loading and unloading cargo, which can be physically demanding, and they may need to operate a pallet jack to move heavy inventory.
Truck drivers often work in enclosed vehicles and are exposed to various conditions, including distracting noise levels and inadequate or extremely bright lighting. They may also have to work in cramped spaces and deal with unpleasant or angry people. Their work requires precision and attention to detail, and they must prioritize safety and maintain their vehicles in good condition.
The unique nature of the job, with long periods spent alone, can impact the mental health of drivers. It is important for drivers to prioritize their mental health and stay connected with family and friends. Managers can also improve working conditions by simplifying processes, promoting communication, and providing entertainment options like satellite TV to combat feelings of isolation.
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Vaccine distribution
The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine has brought to light the importance of various professions deemed essential to society's functioning. Among them, truck drivers have played a crucial role in delivering vaccines, medical supplies, and essential goods to communities across the country. Despite their indispensable contributions, truck drivers have not always been recognised as "frontline essential workers" in vaccine distribution plans.
In the initial phases of vaccine distribution, the CDC guidelines generally prioritised healthcare workers and individuals in long-term care facilities. This prompted concerns among truck drivers about their place in the vaccine rollout. Many advocated for their profession to be considered essential, requesting to be moved up on the priority list. Christie Millard, a truck driver delivering food and cleaning supplies across the country, highlighted the vital role of truck drivers in ensuring the safe delivery of vaccines. She emphasised the potential disruption to the supply chain if drivers were unavailable due to COVID-19 infections.
The classification of truck drivers in vaccine distribution varied across different states and guidelines. In some cases, like Kentucky, truck drivers were included in Phase 1C of the vaccine rollout, categorised as essential workers in transportation and logistics. However, this categorisation still placed them behind other groups, sparking debates about their position. Dr. Michael Lemke, a former truck driver and professor, argued that truck drivers are essential and should be protected due to their extensive travel and interactions. He emphasised the need to safeguard those responsible for distributing the vaccines.
The American Trucking Association and supply chain experts joined the call to prioritise truck drivers for the vaccine. They recognised the potential consequences for the supply chain if drivers were unavailable due to illness or quarantine. Additionally, the stigma associated with the profession and the challenges of accessing healthcare while on the road further emphasised the need for truck drivers to receive vaccination protection. Despite these appeals, polls suggested that a significant proportion of truck drivers might decline the vaccine when offered.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the essential nature of various professions, including truck drivers, who are integral to maintaining the supply chain and delivering critical goods to communities. While vaccine distribution plans aimed to balance various priorities, the recognition of truck drivers as essential workers in this context is a vital step towards safeguarding the supply chain and those dedicated professionals who keep the country running.
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Frequently asked questions
Truck drivers are essential to the functioning of society and the economy, delivering everything from food to furniture to vaccines. However, they are not considered "frontline essential workers" in most places and are categorized as "phase 1c" for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Being categorized as "phase 1c" means that truck drivers are not prioritized for vaccination in the same way that "phase 1b" frontline essential workers, such as healthcare workers, are.
The CDC defines frontline essential workers as those essential to the functioning of society, but it considers first responders, teachers, grocery store workers, and public transit workers, among others, as taking priority over truck drivers.
Yes, there are lobbying efforts to move truck drivers up the priority list for the COVID-19 vaccine. The American Trucking Association and supply chain experts have requested that the CDC place truck drivers higher on the list, citing the vital role they play in delivering vaccines and essential goods.
