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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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