Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

The Knights of the Highway Ride Again

Years ago, truckers were hailed as Knights of the Highway. Now, a grateful nation has noticed who is still out there working hard and getting loads of supplies through as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens.

March 19, 2020
The Knights of the Highway Ride Again

As the nation grapples with the COVID-19 outbreak, it has been truckers keeping store shelves stocked and the economy afloat. And the public has noticed. 

Photo: Volvo Trucks North America 

2 min to read


If you monitor the news, you’ve probably noticed something: Truckers are suddenly heroes once again. As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread across the country and more and more business and social activities shut down, everyday people are waking up to the fact that it is truckers who are literally carrying the supplies that they need.

For proof, look to the mainstream media, both national and local, and the flurry of stories that have appeared in the past few days touting the amazing job truck fleets and drivers are doing to the public at large – and the obstacles they're facing.

Ad Loading...

The Wall Street Journal has a news story on the Hurdles Truckers Face getting goods to store shelves.

And then there’s the Old Gray Lady herself, The New York Times, with an op-ed from truck stop owner Karen Gettert Shoemaker, who is also the author of a novel set during the flu pandemic of 1918, detailing everything she and her team are doing to Keep Truckers on the Road.

Whereas the Real Clear Politics website simply told its readers to Keep Calm and Keep on Trucking.

Another CBS news outlet, this on Nashville’s WBTW News 13, is telling its readers and viewers that Trucking is Key to Keeping the Economy Afloat now.

And here’s Reason – the “magazine of free minds and free markets” – asking if regulators will Get Out of the Way of Truckers Rushing Goods to Store Shelves.

Ad Loading...

There's also Albuquerque's NBC affiliate, KOB 4, which notes that the Trucking Industry is High Demand During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

San Jose’s Mercury News added its voice to those calling for Truck Stops and Rest Areas to Stay Open and assist drivers during this critical time.

Truckers are working hard under dangerous conditions – they’re still out there turning while the pandemic is burning. And a grateful nation has noticed.

More Drivers

SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
DriversJanuary 23, 2026

What FMCSA’s New Enforcement Push Means for Fleets in 2026 [Podcast]

Listen as transportation attorney and TruckSafe Consulting President Brandon Wiseman joins the HDT Talks Trucking podcast to unpack the “regulatory turbulence” of last year and what it means for trucking fleets in 2026.

Read More →
DriversJanuary 20, 2026

How Pilot Is Using AI in Truck Maintenance

A practical look at how artificial intelligence is helping Pilot's trucking fleet move from reactive maintenance to a more proactive approach.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Graphic showing smart truck parking technology with a highway sign reading “Spaces Available” and the Streetline logo.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 16, 2026

Streetline Expands Smart Truck Parking System on West Coast

Streetline is expanding smart truck parking tools, including a new I-5 deployment in Washington and a no-upfront-cost pilot model for state DOTs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Truck parked at night
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 15, 2026

Third 'Jason's Law' Truck Parking Survey Under Way

The Federal Highway Administration is asking motor carriers and truck drivers to give input on where and when drivers have difficulty finding truck parking, and on how drivers prefer to get information on available parking.

Read More →
Driversby StaffJanuary 8, 2026

FMCSA Continues Focus on State Issuance of Non-Domiciled CDLs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues a crackdown on an increasing number of states it says have been issuing non-domiciled CDLs improperly.

Read More →
Driversby Deborah LockridgeDecember 30, 2025

Will FMCSA’s Driver-Oriented Enforcement Initiatives Affect Capacity?

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took several actions in 2025 to tighten enforcement of regulations for commercial drivers. Will those affect trucking capacity in 2026?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driversby Deborah LockridgeDecember 15, 2025

Q&A: Lisa Kelly Explains Ice Road Trucking, Reality TV Editing, and Life as a Female Driver

Lisa Kelly talks to HDT about the return of the show Ice Road Truckers, what really happens on the ice roads, how reality TV shapes drivers’ stories, and the career she’s built beyond the show.

Read More →