Truckers Share What It's Like to Keep Trucking During a Pandemic

The early days of the global shutdown brought quiet roads, empty rest stops, and long stretches of uncertainty. But through it all, truckers kept America moving. As businesses closed and cities fell silent, professional drivers were still out there—hauling essential goods, delivering supplies, and keeping communities connected when the world slowed to a halt.

As a tribute to the trucker's heroism and sacrifices, we revisited some trucker stories and reflections from that challenging time—moments that showed not just strength, but heart.

"I'm alert"

In an article published on WIRED.com, one truck driver from Kansas City shared that he made it a habit to stay alert and maintain his health on the road. “I wash my hands a lot anyway, and I wipe down every truck. I learned a long time ago that sickness goes around so easily when you're working with other people,” he said.

For many drivers, staying alert and maintaining good health is part of the job. Having a healthy routine on the road helps truckers manage fatigue and stress, keeping both body and mind strong during long hauls.

"It is a scary thing"

In Global News' interview, Frank Friesen, a trucker who transports dry goods across North America, described the experience as “a scary thing.” With restaurants and rest areas shut down, he made sure to carry food and water with him and learned to rely on his own supplies. “You’re in different states and provinces, so you try not to get into close contact with people. I keep hand sanitizer and stuff like that in my truck and just try and keep healthy,” he said.

Maintaining a clean, well-sanitized vehicle became second nature for many truckers. Following truck sanitation best practices helped them stay safe and continue working even when everyday routines became unpredictable.

"I'm driving into the unknown"

Joe Sears, a big rigger from Sydney, N.S., told CBC News that he felt like he's driving into the unknown. He packed everything he needed to survive on the road—food, water, vitamins, toilet paper, gloves, clothes, and emergency kits. The lack of open rest stops with clean showers or hot meals was difficult, but he pushed through, knowing how important his job was to keep supplies moving.

Stories like this are reminders of the indispensable role of trucking in America’s economy and society. When everything else slowed down, truckers carried on—delivering food, fuel, and medical supplies to where they were needed most.

"This is hard on us."

Angel Brawner, a Georgia trucker, told WANE 15 that those months were some of the hardest of her career. With restaurants closed and limited rest areas available, finding food, showers, and parking became a daily challenge. “Lawmakers should keep the rest areas open. Without that, we have nowhere to go.”

Despite it all, safety remained the top priority. Even when the world seemed at a standstill, truckers made sure deliveries never stopped. “If we can’t make our deliveries, stores won’t get their freight, and that’s the most important thing,” Brawner said.

Even outside of crises, drivers continue to face dreadful things behind the wheel, but their dedication proves how vital they are to keeping goods moving safely across the country.

"I feel proud, I feel good because we're helping the community."

Many drivers, such as Jorge Chavez, look back on that period with pride. “Right now, I feel proud, I feel good because somehow we’re helping the community to make sure that they get whatever they need in their homes,” he said in a CNN Business write-up.

He added, “I hope it’s not just during this time, and when it goes away, we’re not forgotten.”

Truckers like him remind us that their work goes far beyond driving—it’s about service and community. Having trucking essentials recommended by seasoned drivers helps drivers stay prepared for any challenge on the road, whether it’s an everyday haul or an extraordinary moment in history.

"People are kinder now."

William and Dee Sova, a trucker couple from Greenville, Missouri, shared a story of human kindness during the pandemic. According to Dee, they went up to Walmart with only $70. When everything has been rung up, it totaled $78. To their surprise, the lady behind them gave them extra money to cover the amount they needed to compensate.

Moments like these show how the trucking community—and the people they serve—came together when it mattered most.

Today, years later, these stories remind us of the dedication, resilience, and heart that keep America moving. Truckers didn’t just deliver freight—they delivered hope when the country needed it most.