You may have heard the saying truckers are the backbone of America;
It's never been more evident than now, as most of the nation is relying on truckers to bring the vital goods we need as we wait in quarantine.
Our Someone 2 Know this week has been working extra-long days to get the job done.
Meet one of thousands based here in northern Nevada -
Connecting, disconnecting, loading and hauling... big-rig truck driver Heath Blackmon does this - all day, every day.
"It's usually sun up to sun down,” explains Blackmon, gently “I mean it's a lot of work"
And right now, it's desperately needed. As the lead local driver for Reno-based Full Tilt Logistics, Blackmon is responsible for a team of other truckers.
"I keep the over-the-road guys moving, I pre-load their loads and they get dropped in our yard or I deliver their loads when they come back from a long run"
And it seems we've never been more aware of how crucial the supply chain is - as during our current pandemic and quarantine;
"Toilet paper, water, food- I mean, even down to pet food"
America's unsung heroes are finally getting a little appreciation.
"I get a lot more smiles, lately,” laughs Blackmon
In an effort to more-quickly move essential goods across the U.S. during the shutdown, federal guidelines were recently relaxed to allow truckers to work longer hours.
Heath used to average 12 hours per day, now it's at least 16;
"Three thirty a.m., my alarm goes off, I get out of bed and take a shower, get dressed have coffee and brew another pot"
Heath admits it is tiring. But says he's honored to do it, especially during this crisis;
"My family and friends understand that the hours and the work that I do is essential, it's vital"
As the son of a trucker and with more than 20 years in the business, heath says he's seen a lot on America’s highways and bi-ways and has a message for the rest of us;
"Keep your head up, stay safe- and we'll get through this"
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There are an estimated 3.5 million truck drivers in America - many of whom are now delivering medical supplies, food, water, and of course, toilet paper .
And just like Heath, they're all working long hours and putting themselves at risk - for the good of the nation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FULL TILT LOGISTICS –
https://fulltiltlogistics.com/
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NEVADA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION -
