“Shelter-in-place” and “stay-at-home” orders have been issued in various states and communities around the US; however, the flow of goods into the country is considered an “essential” function by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In DHS’ “Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during COVID-19 Response,” truckers, carriers, and distribution centers are included as essential services and should be encouraged to make their deliveries. Although borders are closed to travelers, they remain open to commerce and truck drivers should continue delivering shipments across US borders and within the US.
The DHS memo furthers states:
“Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations.”
Please direct truckers to Deringer’s Essential Transportation webpage for additional information and Department of Homeland Security documentation, which specifically includes “transportation functions” and “postal and shipping workers” in its list of essential services.
Under the heading of Transportation and Logistics, the document includes:
- “Employees supporting or enabling transportation functions, including dispatchers, maintenance and repair technicians, warehouse workers, truck stop and rest area workers, and workers that maintain and inspect infrastructure (including those that require cross-border travel)
- Employees of firms providing services that enable logistics operations, including cooling, storing, packaging, and distributing products for wholesale or retail sale or use.”
Deringer’s service centers are available if specific shipment or port information is needed; however, Deringer’s Deringer’s Essential Transportation webpage will continue to be updated with information.
