The impacts of COVID-19 have affected the world in many ways. In particular, the virus proved our great reliance on supply chains flowing well to live comfortably. With a dramatic surge in demand for goods, as well as restrictions and staff shortages, we’ve seen some real problems in the last couple of years, particularly in the trucking industry.
How the COVID-19 has impacted global supply chains
Throughout the years of Coronavirus, we saw two major issues arise within global supply chains. Firstly, lockdowns grinded major productions to a near halt. This meant that not only were manufacturers scrambling to source parts and materials needed to create products, but demand for goods continued to escalate, and output was nowhere near sufficient. Global shortages affected nearly every product available, but were most prominently felt within the medical and hygiene sectors.
The second major issue that arose within supply chains was transportation difficulties. With an imposed vaccine mandate and major staff shortages, the limited number of truck drivers available to even attempt keeping up with demand put a great deal of strain on the industry.
How are the effects still impacting the transportation industry?
There continues to be a lot of pressure on the trucking industry. During the pandemic, the global population has become more comfortable than ever in their homes establishing a new level of demand with online shopping and grocery delivery at its peak.
As truck drivers continue to put in a great deal of effort to keep up with the heightened levels of demand, with Aussie trucks travelling virtually nonstop, pandemic-induced wear and tear is very real. Just losing one truck off the road in need of expensive maintenance has seen significant impacts for transportation companies.
If there’s one thing the drastic shift in demand has taught us, it’s that it’s more important than ever that transportation companies look to proactive, scheduled maintenance, rather than reactive and often more expensive fixes.
Remaining up to date with wheel alignments and tyre care significantly reduces fuel consumption and the risk of costly damage which can make all the difference when it comes to portability and efficiency, and also the safety of drivers and motorists as a whole.