As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and impact the transportation industry, Paper Transport priority is the safety of our employees, customers, and community. Here you can find updates on the latest transportation insights to help you navigate this volatile market and learn how PTI is making a difference.
Help protect yourself and your family with the following Covid-19 prevention practices:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If water is not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- If you are sick and not feeling well enough to perform daily activities, stay at home.
If you are concerned about your health, call your doctor’s office versus an in-person visit. Your doctor is best prepared to address your concerns. As of March 11th, the International Revenue Service (IRS) issued a notice that COVID-19 testing is not subject to a deductible.
The amount of information related to COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Ensure you are seeking reliable sources of information. Below you will find two recommended public health resources:
Updates
May Updates
May 6, 2020 – PTI now offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and work-Life Services as an expanded benefit to all employees and their families effective May 1, 2020.
April Updates
April 15, 2020 – Although Paper Transport I is not requiring cloth masks, the CDC is recommending the use of cloth masks in areas of significant community based-transmissions. PTI will be providing cloth masks for our employees as another option to help stop the spread. This will assist with remaining compliant in locations that require a mask. Shortly, we expect mask’s to be available in the next week or so at all locations.
March Updates
March 31, 2020 – We continue to monitor the developing situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Below you can find an update as to how we plan to financially support employees who are affected by a positive COVID-19 test. PTI Leadership announced the policy that was put in place to allow a safety net for any employee directly affected by a positive COVID-19 test result. Our policy supports an active employee if they or a member of their household are diagnosed with the illness.
March 30, 2020 – Human Resources alerted employees to the option of virtual visits covered under the PTI Medical Plan and United Healthcare. Our hospitals and the medical community are doing all that they can to support individuals who are sick or presenting symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, individuals are being told to not come into the doctor unless it is an emergency situation. Virtual visits allow you to talk with a doctor by video 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
March 25, 2020 – Paper Transport President Jeff Shafchik announced that the company has made the decision to donate half of PTI’s profits during the month of April to charities who are helping people affected by COVID-19 in the communities in which PTI has employees residing.
March 23, 2020 – Paper Transport released letters to all essential employees for the Shelter in Place requirements. Paper Transport holds an important role in helping the country sustain health and recover from the spread of the coronavirus. Our core operations support the transportation of food, medical supplies, and chemicals/cleaners. Without our services, the supply chain breaks down. The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has determined businesses that move goods for food and agriculture, medical supplies, and chemicals will be permitted to continue operations in states that have been declared Shelter in Place. Based on our evaluation, our services, are critical.
March 22, 2020 – Individual states, counties, cities, etc. have begun instituting shelter in place and other forms of lockdowns. These lockdowns do not pertain to roadways, highways, interstates, or essential businesses. Essential businesses can include the paper industry, food industry, and those other industries that bring raw material to paper, food, etc. We are an essential supplier in that chain and these lockdowns do not pertain to us. In the event we are no longer allowed to travel to or from a location Paper Transport will put out an official notification .
March 16, 2020 – Over the last few days, many venues and events have been postponed or canceled. Plus, many states have closed school systems for an extended period of time. Nonetheless, office employees with the ability to work from home will do so. Field offices remain open, as some level of staffing is critical.
March 12, 2020 – Paper Transport announced that we were monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic daily. Given our assessment of the risk as it stands today, we have outlined the steps blow. Driver meetings will be conducted via Blackboard (a virtual learning platform). In-person driver meetings will not be held at this time. Lastly, employee new hire orientations will continue to be held in-person. We will limit the driver trainee process. Paper Transport is prepared with our Business Continuity Plans, should the situation escalate.
Conclusion
At Paper Transport safety is a cornerstone of how we do business. In addition to keeping our Truck Drivers safe when they’re traveling down the road. We want to ensure our customers and the public are safe as well. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues we are making it our priority to keep our employees, customers, and community updated.