Dallas Straight Trucks are the Workhorses of the COVID-19 Christmas

The holidays are going to look a little different this year. Between social distancing, mask wearing, and another toilet paper shortage (really!?) , gathering ‘round the yule log just isn’t in our cards. Even here at Eagle Express, things look a little different.

While we’re a full service transportation and logistics provider, many of our small vehicle courier clients have gone silent (night?). Dallas straight trucks have taken their place.

In an unexpected turn of events, Dallas straight trucks are the workhorses of the pandemic and upcoming COVID-19 Christmas.

Why the increase in straight truck use, despite the overall decrease in movement across the Metroplex and across the world? Why is the box truck suited for COVID-19 operations? How can a straight truck work for your business during these uncertain and difficult times?

We’ll explore why Dallas straight trucks are the answer to the challenging transportation and logistics landscape here in North Texas.

E-Commerce

Lockdowns and closures have changed the way we shop. Customers are avoiding public places in favor of staying at home. All that time spent in isolation means more online shopping. Whether for household necessities or so-called “retail therapy”, more shoppers than ever are turning to e-Commerce. In fact, there’s been about a 21% increase in online shopping over this time last year. Straight trucks move shipments to and from fulfillment centers, and couriers like ours utilize large vehicles to deliver to commercial locations and even residences. The uptick in e-Commerce creates an increase in Dallas straight truck operations.

Food Distribution

The reason for increased utilization of straight trucks for food distribution is two-fold. For starters, it’s the holiday season. Folks are naturally driven to purchase more food for holiday meals and to stock up for the winter. But throw a pandemic in there, and you’ve got a huge changes for food distributors.

Food distributors, specifically, food retail stores, are working tirelessly to keep your favorite consumables on the shelves. With most consumers planning to stay home for the holidays, grocery store sales are expected to boom. The food industry is trying to stay ahead, as to avoid the supply chain disruptions seen earlier in the year.  Temperature controlled straight trucks transport food items with accuracy and safety, keeping shelves stocked and refrigerators full.

Urgent Restocking Deliveries

Now, more than ever, timeliness and dependability of deliveries is vital to operations. Dependable scheduled straight truck routes allow retailers to be proactive instead of reactive. While scheduled routes are always the preferred method of operation, unpredictable shortages of necessities as of late lead to urgent restocking needs.

Shortages, price increases, and global import freezes mean some shelves are bare while others are overloaded. This requires a shift in the supply chain, which, oftentimes, is urgent. On call transportation providers can move items from one location to another or from a warehouse to a retail location in order to even out supply. Transportation providers who maintain 24/7 operations and on call drivers can ease some of the stress on the strained supply chain when urgent needs arise.

Long Distance Transportation

Long distance transportation has faced unique challenges during the pandemic. These drivers come in contact with individuals from many different locations, including virus hot spots; yet, they also face closed rest stops and restaurants. But the tasks of a long distance truck driver are more essential than ever during this time of year amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Long distance trucks are responsible for warehouse transportation and movement of product between cities, including to and from ports. While a great deal of import traffic is down, specific products such as paper goods, perishable foods, and medical devices are seeing huge increases in demand. Moving shipments out of town or across the country is sometimes the only way to ensure a plentiful supply of healthcare items or food shipments.

Healthcare Transportation

Speaking of increase in demand, healthcare transportation is a hot topic in the straight truck world. For obvious reasons, the need for PPE, medical devices, and even lab equipment has increased drastically. Temperature controlled and lift equipped straight trucks make transportation of sensitive or oversized cargo possible.

Healthcare transportation also requires special training. Dallas straight truck operators who transport medication or lab samples are trained in HIPAA and OSHA standards, as well as standards for sanitization. Qualified professionals are on the job 24/7 to ensure secure and safe healthcare transportation.

Between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming holiday season, Dallas straight truck operations are busier than ever! Whether in the North Texas region or out of town, our truck operations are going strong. To get your truck delivery on the books, contact Eagle Express today at 214-351-5777.