Truck Drivers Work Overtime To Meet Supply Needs

It's a job most Americans depend on without even knowing it. Right now, thousands upon thousands of truckers are rapidly trying to meet the demands of supermarkets, and hospitals all across the country.

"We need truck drivers now more than ever to be on the road," Jennifer Licktieg CEO President of TBS Factoring Service.

Just this week the Federal Motor Safety Administration reduced its hours of service regulation.
Amid Covid-19 concerns, stores are hoping that means they will be able to re-stock soon.

"It is an important thing for truck drivers. So, what that means is that truck drivers can spend more hours legally on the road," said Licktieg.

Around the metro, hand sanitizer, isopropyl alcohol, aloe vera, baby formula, baby wipes, toilet paper, and house cleaning wipes are sold out at various locations.

TBS Factoring is based in Oklahoma City and has been in Oklahoma for 52 years.
Their businesses helps independent truckers with cash flow to get from point A to point B.

Basically, in some cases truckers don't get paid for 10, 30, 60, or 90 days after finishing a job.
TBS buys the full unpaid invoice from that haul, and provides the truck driver with an immediate paycheck to keep them on the road.

Otherwise, TBS estimates that truckers would need an estimated $30,000 to $60,000 on-hand to keep up with the demand.

"Independent operators are their own boss. The cab of their truck is their office and when that truck is not rolling, they are not working,” said Licktieg.

Knowing there's little time to rest, or stop, TBS met drivers out in their office Friday.
Workers hand-delivered sandwiches to semi-drivers on a highway exit this afternoon.

TBS reports over the past three years, they've done a billion dollars in business, and work with about 40,000 independent operators.

They know without them; no current demand would match available supply.