Trucking & Face Masks

Whether you agree with mask-wearing or not, it’s been a reality for truckers since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic began. Mandatory mask-wearing had quickly been instituted by many shippers/receivers. Then in mid-April Canada customs mandated all travellers crossing into Canada must wear non-medical masks.

In addition, a patchwork of local mask mandates through the US and Canada have made it confusing for truck drivers to know if they are required to wear a mask in any given jurisdiction. It’s really been easier to assume you should wear one when in direct contact with people.

This month has made it a bit easier for making the decision whether to wear a mask or not. The big three US truck stop chains, and NATSO, made the decision to require customers to wear face masks or coverings.

If your keeping count that’s 950 Pilot Flying J locations, 520 Love’s locations, 265 TA Petro locations, and the NATSO members. That pretty much covers over 90% of truck stops in the US.

New Normal in Trucking

The mask trend is trending for more mask-wearing, not less. We expect that more places and jurisdictions will implement masks and that Canada will see more mask mandates in the future. Mask wearing will likely be with us through 2021.

The focus on personal safety is a good thing. The trucking industry has managed through the COVID crisis thanks to the hard work of truck drivers. While most everyone else sheltered for safety (which is a good thing) truckers kept rolling during some difficult times at great personal risk.

How to Make a Mask

We found a few videos on how to make your own face masks. Why not get creative and use creative looking material. Hockey is back soon, so let’s see some Jets masks out there!

The first mask in the next video is a bit more complicated and requires a pattern you can get on https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/