Anyone else still travelling for work?

[2kwik4u]

Currently scheduled to be in Nebraska next week. My company, our customer, and our subcontractors have all been deemed "necessary" or "critical" businesses. Company has issued a "no fly" policy with any necessary travel......SO, I'll be driving from Louisville, KY to Columbus, NE on Sunday at this point. That has be crossing at least 3 state lines, about 800 miles one way. Going to be travelling in a personal vehicle for the trip, most likely pulling a company rented trailer at this point (one way at least at this point).

I assume hotels are still open? Gas stations and drive-thru's are open. Rest areas are closed I'm guessing. No eating out at the bar while I'm out of town.

Do I need paperwork in case I'm stopped? What's the play there from a state cop to stop me if I'm from out of state. Surely they aren't going to arrest me and impound the truck are they?

Do I need to take anything with me that I normally don't? Anyone else out there still travelling for work? How's it going?

 

[anmut]

Pulling a trailer with a personal vehicle? You're kidding??! Are they paying for the maintenance you'll need because of this in the years ahead? That's insane...

Btw no "papers" needed for travel in the midwest states that I'm aware of. We haven't reached full third reich, yet.

 

[meaningreen]

Last I heard from my buddy in Omaha NE was you only needed paper work to go in to hospitals. He does carry paperwork with him that says he is an essential employee though. If you have a legal department it can't hurt to have them draft up something saying your essential because of your company.

 

[Looper7]

Rest areas and hotels are open

 

[GTBRMC]

I'd agree have your work draw up some kind of travel papers. Easy to do, could save a lot of hassle. Suggest one page letter on company letterhead with destination, purpose, contact info on both ends, your boss' signature.

I'd also suggest predetermined, screened, reserved hotel rooms (vs book-as-you-go via trivago). Take Lysol wipes (or equivalent), at least a bandana for a DIY facemask (might be needed in some places for grocery store access, etc.), some hand sanitizer, rubber gloves for gas pump. Maybe take your own pillowcase and towel for sanitary purposes.

If I had to travel, personal vehicle would be my preference. Agree w other poster that 800 miles pulling a work trailer puts a fair bit of wear on your vehicle.

 

[2kwik4u]

Pulling a trailer with a personal vehicle? You're kidding??! Are they paying for the maintenance you'll need because of this in the years ahead? That's insane...

The added maintenance is minimal. I'm not doing any more work with the truck than pulling my boat. Just have some bulky items that can't get there in time unless I take them. 3 pallets at around 800lbs each or so, and a selection of precision tools I'll need. I offered, and it's honestly not a big deal for me if it works out that way. They offered to have me rent a box truck, but screw a 12hr drive in a box truck, that sounds like a terrible way to spend 24hrs over the next week. Truck is comfy and capable.

Btw no "papers" needed for travel in the midwest states that I'm aware of. We haven't reached full third reich, yet.

Thanks for the info

 

[2kwik4u]

I'd agree have your work draw up some kind of travel papers. Easy to do, could save a lot of hassle. Suggest one page letter on company letterhead with destination, purpose, contact info on both ends, your boss' signature.

I'd also suggest predetermined, screened, reserved hotel rooms (vs book-as-you-go via trivago). Take Lysol wipes (or equivalent), at least a bandana for a DIY facemask (might be needed in some places for grocery store access, etc.), some hand sanitizer, rubber gloves for gas pump. Maybe take your own pillowcase and towel for sanitary purposes.

If I had to travel, personal vehicle would be my preference. Agree w other poster that 800 miles pulling a work trailer puts a fair bit of wear on your vehicle.

We do this kind of documentation for work in Canada already. I can probably have them draw up the same information this time, despite it being just across state lines.

 

[Brad460]

You will be fine...

My field service team is still traveling in some areas, such as within Texas and over into NM and are driving with no issues. Next week we have a couple trips planned driving from TX to CO and WY to CO. No one is taking flights. My international team (Europe, Russia, China, Brazil and Canada) are not traveling at all.

I had HR create “hall passes” for everyone in case they need it as we are an essential business.

Customers are requiring masks while on site in their facilities, but in the field no need.

Most international lock downs are getting set to expire in the next couple weeks.

My neighbor is driving from WI to NY today for a installation at a GE site..

 

[suke]

My neighbor travels all over the southeast almost everyday. He's been state bound on his latest project about 2 hours away, but went up to DC to look at some equipment.....I think last week. He hasn't encountered issues with hotels, or anything else he's needed.

 

[2kwik4u]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm on week #4 of working from home, so the outside world is feeling further and further away than normal.

Just called the hotel in Nebraska, they're open for business with no restrictions. Also talked to my contact there and he said aside from restaurants being closed it's pretty much business as usual over there.

I made a mountain out of a mole hill it appears.

 

[Jim Davis]

Don't be afraid to fly if you need to guys. I think airport is the safest place right now. No one is there with an average of 20 people on a flight. And some of those will be dead heading crew members. If you need a hotel ask a crew, hotels are still open for us.

 

[Bearsar240]

I've been traveling non stop all around the country. I just started taking my RV 3 weeks ago. Not stopped once. Problem is finding campgrounds though in some states or counties. I have papers from all my customers, just incase I guess.

 

[Liveto99]

I think a motor home is the way to go!

 

[ElJefe]

We just moved from Michigan to Alabama. Did the 700 mile drive (4 cars and the boat) in one day. Long ass day for sure.

I was paranoid about the same things. Happily had no issues. Roads were empty. Cops seemed to be generous with speed limits. However, we did 60-65 the whole way just in case.

Avoided the hotels but they were all taking reservations. No problems at gas stations.

Hang in there man and let us know how it goes.

 

[Dixie Highway]

My team are still traveling, making sure you all can buy bottles of water lol. They all have company letters, with my contact info. I’ve instructed them to request hotel rooms that have been empty if possible. Another idea is to refuse having the room serviced, I do that normally anyway if I’m less than 3-4 days in a room. I tell my guys to make sure they pay close attention when they get out and keep nitrile gloves for fuel stops. It’s daunting, but once you’re out there it’s pretty normal aside from the empty hotels and lack of restaurants.

 

[mrdubean1]

Bring hand sanitizer, polarized sunglasses glasses and your wallet.

 

[BlkGS]

I'm gonna be traveling to Florida this weekend for a new job. Should be Interesting, they're trying to keep the new Yorkers out, but I figure NC plates should be a free pass.

 

[mrdubean1]

I'm gonna be traveling to Florida this weekend for a new job. Should be Interesting, they're trying to keep the new Yorkers out, but I figure NC plates should be a free pass.

NC plates, you’re golden! Us New Yorkers are a disease to the world! Doesn’t matter if you have been home since March 10th, quarantined yourself as instructed. Doesn’t matter if you only leave your house for grocery shopping wearing nothing short of personal protective Gear (N95 Mask, gloves, goggles). If I had a hospital gown, I’d wear it too. Hand sanitizer was never an issue, because I used to drink it before this virus.

 

[2kwik4u]

More great feedback. Thanks everyone.

Also, looks like the shipping guys have consolidated all of the equipment to take with me. A single larger pallet will be going in the bed of the truck. Weighed it yesterday at 787lbs. Going to slide it in the bed and leave the bed cover at home for the trip. More details as they emerge on that front