In response to the enduring COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has issued several orders to help protect affected businesses and individuals, including those who work within the supply chain. Manufacturers, distributors and producers of critical products, commercial drivers, and shipping and logistics companies are all listed by executive order as essential businesses that promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the state.
Additionally, the Governor’s office published Arizona Together, a central web hub for Arizona residents and businesses. By publishing this central hub for information, the State of Arizona has reduced some of the confusion as to where Arizonans – both individuals and business owners – can turn for help, assistance, and changes in regulations.
The Supply Chain is an Essential Industry
By following the links on the Arizona Together page, you can find The Arizona Commerce Authority Covid-19 resources for businesses. From there, you’ll find a link directly to Supply Chain & Logistics.
Recognized on that page is the fact that truck drivers move 70 percent of the nation’s goods by weight. Right now, hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential retail outlets depend on trucking to keep needs met and people safe. That’s why, for the first time since its inception in 1938, the FMCSA put a temporary suspension on hours of service laws for drivers hauling goods or services in direct response to COVID-19 relief efforts.
Additionally, Governor Ducey has issued an Executive Order that delays expiration dates on commercial vehicle driver’s licenses. Residents over the age of 65 do not need to visit the MVD offices to renew their driver’s licenses during this public health emergency. This provision ensures that drivers stay on the road, not in line at the MVD.
Additional Resources for Your Supply Chain Business
Small businesses face significant uncertainties through this public health crisis. The Small Business Administration is offering loans to support existing operations, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is offering relief measures, including a working capital guarantee program, short-term insurance, and medium-term single-buyer insurance for exporters.
Getting Creative on Business and Hiring Strategies
While it’s way too early to discuss “lessons learned” from a supply chain perspective, we can start taking stock in what’s working and where improvements can be made. Humans are resilient, resourceful and creative, and we’re seeing manufacturers, distributors and businesses rise to the challenge of combating a global crisis. Breweries are making hand sanitizer, auto manufacturers are retooling their factories to build ventilators, and companies like Microsoft are mobilizing their supply chain resources to import massive quantities of medical supplies.
Now is the time for local distributors and carrier companies to build flexibility into their strategies. If you have trucks sitting idle and drivers ready to go, but no loads to haul, shift your business to help with the relief efforts. See where there’s a need for delivery of essential goods and get your trucks moving.
If you’re already moving essential goods or people, but you’re struggling to find drivers, diversify your hiring tactics by using a driver leasing app like F|Staff. With F|Staff, you’ll find qualified, DOT-verified and background-checked drivers ready to move your trucks without a lengthy hiring process.
By implementing hedging strategies now, you can find more avenues to generate revenue while keeping more drivers employed. And, your efforts will aid the greater good by bringing vital supplies to the community.
We’re In This Together
Governor Ducey issued the following statement on Arizona Together:
“As we work to combat the spread of COVID-19, access to resources that can help support families and businesses in this time of need is critical. We’re calling on Arizonans to be informed, get engaged, and support organizations doing important work to keep our communities safe and healthy. Arizona will get through this together.” – Doug Ducey, Governor of Arizona
Supply chain workers understand how interconnected we all are. Right now, carrier companies, distributors, and drivers struggle to meet unprecedented demands that, if not met, could impact the lives and livelihoods of many. As we come together in support of our communities, state, country, and the world, we should take a moment to recognize the vital part our supply chain businesses play. Whether you work behind the wheel, on a loading dock, in a distribution center, or in an office, your contribution to the supply chain keeps us all going strong.
Visit Arizona Together to stay up to date with all the information you need.
Want to learn more about F|Staff? Check us out online.
