“Without trucks, America stops. Without truck stops, trucks stop”…this may look just like a random statement, but not for the Iowa 80 Truckstop, since the slogan has been used as a slogan to help in the fight for their business during the severe Covid-19 crisis, while at the same time helping serve the truckers. Both the drivers and the truck stops are facing difficulties, although the truck stops have been tirelessly making an effort to provide all the required services to the truck drivers. At Iowa 80, showers and restroom, mechanical services points, parking slots, take away meals, and medical services are all available.
Both staff and the company are in the process of acclimatizing with the new reality of operating during these tough times. Heather DeBaillie, vice president of marketing for I-80 Group, stated that they had seen trucks but fewer cars, with vehicles’ numbers dropping by more than half. DeBaillie added that the staff members have also had to adapt different modes of operation to minimize contact with customers, hence lesser interactions. She stated that they have heard to learn to be patient amidst this crisis.
Lisa Mullings, president of Natso, said that the truck stops had been struck by the pandemic, with most of them experience a 50% business decline. She added that it is because the full-time restaurants are currently closing, or they are only offering takeaway meals. She reiterated that the situation came at the worst when businesses were going into a booming spring break phase. Mullings expressed her joy of how companies had put aside their differences and started operating together, sharing necessary information to ensure that they maximize on running businesses well through the pandemic, for instance, they have been sharing information on where to get masks and sanitizers for employees, and how to respond if one tested positive.
Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam stated that gasoline sales had tremendously dropped while tobacco has contrarily been selling better. He, however, applauded his team for having responded well-embracing technology, working virtually from their homes, and improving the trucking industry. He claimed that the response during the tough times had made the company to lay down their priorities and focus on a few activities.
Caitlin Campbell stated that Love's Travel Stop had taken all the necessary measures to ensure that there is limited exposure or risk of contracting the virus inclusive of mask-wearing by all staff members. Travel Centers of America-Petro spokeswoman Tina Arundel stated that their travel centers have been open throughout during the coronavirus pandemic. She also pointed out that even their packaging is done to put customers’ safety as a priority. According to DeBaillie, despite the times being tough, they do display messages that are meant to cheer up the customers.
