On March 20, Illinois became the third state to issue a "stay-at-home" order as unprecedented steps are being taken in the United States to stem the spread of COVID-19. The executive order issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker essentially shut down all non-essential business functions in the state of Illinois. Truckers and trucking industry workers, however, are expressly exempt from this order, according to the Illinois Trucking Association.

This followed similar orders on March 19 from California and Pennsylvania.

ITA said in a press statement that Illinois State Police confirmed that trucking is clearly an essential service and drivers do not need to carry additional documentation. (The only exception is if the truck is using the emergency overweight authorization.)

However, the association also alerted members that trucking companies are still required to comply with Social Distancing Requirements in the order:

• Designate with signage, tape, or by other means six-foot spacing for employees and customers to maintain appropriate distances. (Click here for a complimentary Social Distancing Poster).

• Have hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available for employees and customers.

• Implement separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers.

• Post online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely.

Click here for a copy of the Executive Order. The Executive Order and other COVID-19 declarations are also available on the ITA Website.