In terms of hurricanes, Ian was nearly as bad as it gets. Just 2 MPH (3.2 KPH) short of a category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Ian was the deadliest storm in the United States since 1935.
Ian recently tore through Florida and regions of the southeastern United States and Cuba, leaving carnage in its wake. TV, radio, and internet news channels were riveted on the storm while it uprooted the lives of the residents.
But as attention for the hurricane wanes, victims are left to their own devices to deal with the awful aftermath.
Not all help was so fleeting though. In fact, it was mostly fleets that stepped in to help during this crucial time.
“Many [trucking] companies make this type of response a best practice,” said Gary Petty, CEO of the National Private Truck Council. “In particular for water, food and medical emergencies. Government can’t do it all. It needs the partnership of the private sector. So they are acting as good-neighbor businesses. It’s pretty impressive.”
More and more, it feels that truckers really are keeping our nation moving.
If you’re feeling the desire to put your shoulder to the wheel, here are a few ways you can help with the relief efforts for Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian: How Can Truckers Help?
Transport Precious Supplies to Victims
Though this solution is intuitive, many drivers are unaware of what goods they should be provided, where to get them, and where to bring them. Enter Convoy of Hope.
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, volunteer nonprofit that has coordinated shipments for hurricane relief efforts. The effort uses churches as make-shift drive-thrus to load drivers with critical supplies.
If you’d like to get involved in a hugely impactful way, contact the Convoy of Hope to get started.
Clean Up Debris
As a truck owner, you are in possession of an incredible tool for the transportation of debris. With enough capacity and willing hands, you are primed to make a critical difference for Hurricane Ian victims.
Visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian to apply for help.
Truckers Helping Truckers
Among the individuals receiving aid are other truckers.
As trucks toppled, it was truckers that stopped, lifted, and put them back on their feet—literally and figuratively. Several truckers have been recipients of this service.
If you have fleet members in the southeast, be sure to check on them during this trying time.
Hurricane Ian was devastating. But armed with 500 horsepower and a good heart, you can make an enormous difference to those in need.
The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.