Overview
Maintaining the flow of interstate commerce is critical to keeping stores stocked, hospitals supplied and first responders equipped during the COVID-19 crisis. That includes keeping rest stops and commercial parking areas open and accessible for truck drivers so they can safely and efficiently move goods.
In a letter sent to President Trump and VP Pence on 3/17/20, ATA pressed on the White House to assure all levels of government are working together to keep supply lines open. The letter cited the following policy priorities:
- Keep rest stops open – commercial drivers have temporary relief from Hours of Service regulations, but they must manage fatigue as they respond to this emergency, and rest stops are an irreplaceable component, along with commercial truck stops.
Many states have implemented restrictions on restaurants, which prohibit table service and limit business to takeout and delivery only. In these jurisdictions, truckstops can remain open and are permitted to serve grab-and-go and other take-out options. However, they are prohibited from allowing customers to dine inside the facility.
The operating status for Pilot Flying J locations can be found here, and for Love's locations here.
Restaurant Chains
The International Franchise Association has provided this comprehensive list of restaurant chains that are accomodating truck drivers and offering promotions.
McDonald's has created an option via its mobile order app for truck drivers to place and receive orders curbside at locations where only Drive-Thru is open.
Due to local regulations and unprecedented business conditions, the majority of our locations are limited to Drive-Thru, Take Out and McDelivery. Our guests are welcome to join us inside the restaurant and take their meal with them. However, at some locations, only Drive-Thru and McDelivery are available. We realize that you can’t bring your rig through the Drive-Thru and for safety reasons, we cannot accept walk up orders at the Drive-Thru window. We recommend you follow these steps to order your favorite McDonald’s menu items:
- Use McDonald’s Mobile Order & Pay app, when you arrive at the restaurant
- Select Curbside Service and walk to the designated Trucker curbside sign on the sidewalk outside our designated door
- Complete your order by entering the appropriate Trucker curbside number and we’ll bring your order to you at the designated door as soon as it’s ready!
Denny's is running a promotion for truck drivers that offers 15% off online orders:
We know you're clocking a lot of miles these days ensuring that our businesses and families get the necessities we need. Denny's is shifting gratitude into overdrive for Professional Drivers and offering 15% off your online order now through May 25. Use code Driver15 online at checkout. See you at Denny's! One coupon per order. Not valid with any other coupons, promotional offers or AARP discount. Restricted to online orders only. Minimum $5 purchase required. Taxes and gratuity not included. Valid at participating restaurants from 3/25/2020 – 5/24/2020. Selection and prices may vary.
Hotels
Hotels across the U.S. are offering truck drivers and other essential workers discounted rates. You can find a listing of discounts by state here.