
COVID-19: Exceptional measures enacted in the transport sector
The COVID-19 pandemic currently afflicting the world impacts all industries in one way or another. Of course, the freight transportation sector is no exception: several measures have been introduced by the government to slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus.
Here are some of the key government measures against the COVID-19 pandemic that directly affect the freight transportation sector. Since the situation is constantly changing, they are likely to be adjusted over time.
Limited access to certain regions of Quebec to curb COVID-19
As of April 1, access to twelve regions of Quebec is limited: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, Nord-du-Québec, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Nunavik, Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James, Outaouais, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Mauricie-Centre-du-Québec have checkpoints at their borders.
Access to these regions is reserved for essential activities, which for the time being includes freight transportation. Truckers could be stopped by police as they pass through the checkpoints, but permission to continue on their way should be granted in all cases.
Lifting of the thaw period regulation to optimize freight transportation
In Quebec, trucking companies usually have to limit the load of their vehicles during the thaw period that coincides with the arrival of spring. In fact, our roads can be 30% to 70% more vulnerable during this season, which makes them more likely to be damaged by overloaded trucks.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sharp increase in demand for the delivery of goods, particularly food, medical and sanitary equipment, and pharmaceuticals. As a result, the government has decided to lift the load restriction for the spring of 2020. However, it is important to note that this measure applies only to trucks transporting the above-mentioned essential products.
Closing the border with the United States: an important step in slowing the spread of COVID-19
When the Prime Minister announced the closure of the Canada-U.S. border, many were concerned about the impact that such a measure would have on the economies of both countries. We were quickly reassured that the border is still open to the trucking industry because our economic exchanges with the United States are vital to Canada and vice versa. Freight trucks can therefore continue to move freely from one country to the other.
Transport Econo Nord adapts to COVID-19 prevention measures
Despite the temporary closure of most Quebec businesses, our services remain essential to the economy: that’s why we continue to offer them with the same efficiency, whether it’s LTL transportation or home delivery. We rigorously follow industry news in order to adapt to the measures adopted on a daily basis to curb the virus.
Do you need the services of a dedicated transportation company? Contact us now. We take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your goods are transported safely despite the extraordinary situation we are all facing.