What Long-Haul Truck Drivers Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should my employer take?
Employers should have a COVID-19 response plan to protect drivers, following
CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and
Employers. This plan should be shared with you and your
coworkers. Employers should:
Reduce transmission among employees

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if a driver is sick. 
Actively encourage sick drivers to stay home.
Sick drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 shouldn’t return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.


Provide drivers with accurate information about COVID-19, how it spreads, and risk of exposure. 
Be aware that some drivers may be at higher risk for serious illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. Put in place specific policies to minimize face-to-face contact between these drivers, or assign work tasks that allow them to maintain a distance of six feet from other workers, customers, and visitors.
Provide training to drivers on proper handwashing practices and other routine preventative measures. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.


Provide drivers with all PPE (including vests, safety glasses, hard hats) that they might need while on the road so that the driver does not need to borrow PPE from shippers.
Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol for truck cabs.
Provide tissues and small trash cans for truck cabs.
Take additional precautions to address risks associated with ride-alongs or team driving (two drivers in the cab on a long-haul run) when they cannot be avoided. For example, install a removable barrier between the driver and passenger that does not obstruct the task of driving and/or to separate sleeper berth.

Maintain a healthy work environment

Conduct worksite assessments to identify COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between drivers, other coworkers, and customers, such as: 
Develop policies and technology options that allow and encourage contactless deliveries, such as no-signature delivery. These options limit contact, provide space, and avoid the sharing of items like pens and electronic signature pads between drivers and individuals at the delivery location.
During driver training situations, use virtual training methods and in-vehicle monitoring systems where possible. Limit ride-alongs and in-person classroom-based training. Follow all applicable federal motor carrier regulations and public health agency guidelines.


Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and proper hand hygiene practices on the dock and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes so that surfaces commonly touched can be wiped down. To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 60% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Provide drivers training on manufacturer’s directions for use; more detailed cleaning and disinfecting guidance is also availableexternal icon.
Pre-qualify truck stops, rest areas, and hotels to ensure such facilities are open, supplied, and follow recommended COVID-19 safety practices, such as: 
cleanliness and disinfection (such as routine cleaning, available hand-sanitizing stations, and private showers);
proper food handling and food service (such as replacing self-service with full service);
contactless fuel payment.


Follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.

Maintain healthy business operations

Follow the CDC guidance for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 
Reintegrating exposed, asymptomatic workers back to work, while discussed in the guidance, should not be misinterpreted as the first or most appropriate option.
Home isolation may still be the most preferred and viable option for exposed workers.


Designate a person who is responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Drivers should know who this person is and how to contact them.
Consider using a hotline for employees to voice concerns anonymously.
Make a plan with your employees as to what to do if they become sick while on the road. Include where to stop, where and how to seek medical advice and treatment, and plans for freight delivery.
Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive emergency sick leave policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees. Employers should not require a positive COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work.
Provide information on who to contact if employees become sick. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reach out to local public health officials to establish ongoing communications to facilitate access to relevant information before and during a local outbreak.
Schedule driver routes to allow for adequate sleep, and use fatigue management strategies.
Understand that the current environment could elevate stress levels among drivers. Provide resources to help manage stress.