Why are truck drivers important to supply chains?
Have you ever asked yourself, “why are truck drivers important”? From transporting groceries to delivering prescriptions to pharmacies, professional truck drivers regularly travel to ensure our continued access to everyday essentials and lifesaving supplies.
Truck drivers are essential workers, which became more apparent than ever due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its subsequent shipping crisis. This made it clear that professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes of the supply chain and critical to the function of society.
Truck drivers work hard delivering goods, such as medical supplies, raw materials, and other essentials for living, across the country. Even the slightest truck driver shortage can cause major bottlenecks within the supply chain, which can lead to delays in shipping and increases in the prices of goods.
What do truck drivers typically haul?
Likely anything you’ve ever purchased, consumed, or worn has been made possible through the support of the trucking industry and its role in the supply chain. Meeting you where you are to ensure access to these items based on global supply and demand.
From your favorite granola to fine art headed to an exhibition, truck drivers can and do haul just about everything.
Products best suited for truck transportation
Though the type of cargo hauled can change daily, a lot of professional truck drivers transport what are referred to as “typical hauls” more regularly. These goods include more common items you can find in most major stores and are traditionally well-suited for truck transportation.
Typical hauls can include items such as:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Gasoline
- Livestock
- Perishable food
- Consumer goods