By Al Muskewitz
 
While companies across the country are wrestling with ways to keep their businesses going through the challenge of the coronavirus crisis, one Alabama trucking company is reassuring its customers its workforce is there for them at “full capacity.”

Montgomery Entities CEO Rollins Montgomery sent an email to all the Birmingham-based flat-bed carrier’s customers Tuesday (March 17) to eliminate any uncertainty about their commitment to keeping their link in the supply chain moving.
 
“We want to inform you that as of today … the Montgomery Entities are operating at full capacity with the same values or safety and service that you’ve come to expect,” Montgomery wrote in a highlighted portion of the email. “While we continue to monitor the safety of our employees as it relates to COVID-19, we are also committed to our customers and our industry.”
 
Montgomery has approximately 600 drivers and 100 office personnel through all of its entities – Montgomery Transport, RM Logistics Inc., Montgomery Logistics, MT Select and MT Dedicated. While the drivers are out on the road, the staff will continue to report to the office “until further notice,” and in the event of a change the company has invested in technology to allow the office staff to work remotely without interruption of service.
 
The company also is developing an electronic Bill of Lading format so drivers can enter a customer’s facilities with a complete hands-free approach, further reducing the risk of spreading the virus. Marketing director Anna Lacy McMains called it an “A-plus-plus item” that would be a positive for Montgomery and its customers and an element other companies could adopt. 
 
“We are well positioned to continue to support you throughout these challenging times,” Montgomery wrote.
 
Sadly, there has been one casualty of the virus. Out of an abundance of caution, service from the company’s popular Breaker One-Swine food truck has been temporarily discontinued. The company’s Driver of the Year event also is likely to be postponed.
 
To illustrate its commitment to being an industry leader in the fight against COVID-19, Montgomery also provided its customers with a list of precautions its employees are taking to ensure a safe and responsible work environment.

Among them are practicing social distancing, regular hand washing and driver-centric practices such as wiping down all truck surfaces pre- and post-trip including areas that might get overlooked like gearshifts and using sanitized personal pens for paperwork and latex gloves if available.
 
“In good and challenging times, the Montgomery Entities is committed to helping you keep your business moving forward,” Montgomery wrote. “Together, we will overcome these obstacles through proactive communication and teamwork. I am confident that the challenges we face today will make us stronger tomorrow.”

Al Muskewitz is Editor of Wright Media. He can be reached at musky@wrightmediacorp.com

Click here to find available trucker jobs with Montgomery Transport.