A literal “HELP - MAYDAY - 9-1-1” was issued in a letter to the president by a leading trucking association last week as the strain of the pandemic continues to hit drivers trying to maintain critical distribution networks while facing their own concerns about personal safety.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association sent its plea to President Donald Trump, warning if drivers start testing positive for the COVID 19 virus, the nation could be hit with a “tremendous reduction in drivers willing to risk everything.”

“Right now professional drivers are busting their butts to care for the nation,” the letter said, signed by Todd Spencer, CEO of the association. “Their hard work and personal sacrifice should not include their health or even their lives if at all possible or preventable.”

Oklahoma City-based driver Kevin Obenhaus warns the system is already under strain and he daily hears of other truckers parking their rigs and contemplating sitting out until the pandemic fades.