A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LUXEMBOURG TRUCKER

Luxembourg Government Statement concerning logistics services during COVID-19:

Ensuring the flow of essential goods and services is crucial during this time according to guidelines issued by the European Commission.

Food supplies, medicines, medical and protective equipment and supplies are of top priority in the supply chain of essential goods. In the same vein, safe movement for transport workers, including truck drivers is a key factor in ensuring the adequate movement of goods. Border measures to protect health of personnel, ease restrictions and provide unobstructed movement of food as well as the introduction of priority - or "green lanes" are measures being taken to keep transport personnel healthier and moving as efficiently as possible.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LUXEMBOURG TRUCKER

With Transports Freres Sarl:

Trucks are the lifeline between communities and essential goods and services. Trucks are keeping our world alive and well. The logistics sector is not usually something the world focusses on. But the value added our community now brings to the world is front and centre.

For that reason, Klauner has decided to publish a 3-part blog series about “A Day in the Life of a Trucker” on #MYMETIER, our industry-leading blog on truck & trailer.

We sat down with our customer and friend, Claude Freres, who operates Transports Freres Sarl about his drivers who are currently operating between Luxembourg and Italy and Luxembourg and Germany.

PART I:


Q:  What is the biggest challenge right now?

A:  Two weeks ago, the biggest challenge were the borders. That was a catastrophe!

It is really impressive however how well the European nations have solved that crisis. Now borders are smooth to cross. Driving is easier now than normal because there is no traffic.

Q: How do your drivers stay safe during loading or unloading?

A: Generally, as a rule, drivers do not interact with the people they deliver goods too.  The bigger companies have a very good system – the challenge is always for smaller trucking companies that don’t have a big digital system in place.

But what we always use as a rule is that papers that need to be collected are dropped in a box, and the driver does not come into contact with anyone when picking them up. 

Rules of social distancing apply.  I have heard that one driver made sure to keep his windows closed at all times, but most drivers are only concerned if you are within direct contact with someone who has the virus.

It is important to note that Italy has some zones which have a lot of infection. But most areas are unaffected. This means that if drivers are cautious, they can be safe.

Our drivers are very thorough: they do not leave without masks, they wear special gloves and they have hand sanitizer and special wet wipes. They use the wipes to cleanse all surfaces they regularly touch.

Read Part II.