How the coronavirus is affecting the auto transport industry (for Customers)

March 16th, 2020

5 minutes

Summary

A guide for auto transport customers

At the end of 2019 in China, the first cases of the novel coronavirus (officially labeled coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19) were reported. It started off with just a few cases, but within a month, almost 10,000 cases had been reported across 21 countries. The USA was included in those countries.

It is now officially labelled a pandemic, which can be very worrying, if you don’t know what this means. In this article, we’re going to lay down the facts and provide some helpful information for anyone who’s thinking about booking an auto transport service.

What is a pandemic?

Pandemic is a term used to describe an infectious disease for which people have no immunity. Because of this lack of immunity, the disease has the potential to spread worldwide. It has nothing to do with the seriousness of the infection or its potential to lead to death.

Nevertheless, it is a very worrying term to hear. The good news is that the course of the pandemic can be changed if people are more vigilant, take certain precautions, and are made more aware of the risks.

What is the coronavirus?

The coronavirus is currently being experienced across the world. It has been allowed to spread because we live in a world where people travel, often great distances. COVID-19 is one of a family of viruses, common in people and different species of animals. Because it’s a new strain of a virus, experts are doing everything they can to find out more, learn how to contain it, and eventually provide a vaccine.

We should point out, at this stage, that the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus is still low for most Americans. However, certain sections of the population are more at risk than others. These include people with serious chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease, together with older adults.

How many cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the US?

The latest figures provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put the number of reported cases at 1,629, with just 41 deaths. These figures are updated every weekday, and you can find the latest figures here.

To put the risk into perspective, you’ve only got to look at recent figures published by the CDC with regards cases of influenza, another common virus. It’s estimated there will be 36-51 million flu illnesses with 22,000-55,000 flu deaths. Figures for coronavirus pale in comparison.

How is the coronavirus transmitted?

It is known that the coronavirus can be transmitted from person to person, most commonly via close contact. It can also be transmitted from contaminated surfaces, although no such cases have been documented.

Depending on the type of surface contaminated, the virus can remain viable for several hours, even days. This is why the best protection is to clean surfaces by disinfection and wash your hands regularly.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear 2-14 days after exposure. They include a cough, shortness of breath, and a fever.

According to the CDC, warning signs also include:

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Bluish lips or face
Inability to arouse or new confusion

If you or anyone you know develops these you should get medical attention immediately.

What you can do to protect yourself

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19), however, it is possible to reduce the risk of being exposed. Take the following steps to protect yourself and those around you.

Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
Do not touch your eyes, mouth, and nose if your hands are unwashed
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Keep your distance from other people, especially if you’re at higher risk of getting sick
Stay at home if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Dispose of used tissues in the trash
If you’re sick, wear a facemask when you’re around other people
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
Clean dirty surfaces using detergent or soap and water

You may think these sound a little extreme, but they’re really just basic hygiene rules we should all practise on a daily basis anyway.

Is it safe to ship a car during the coronavirus?

Yes, it is safe to ship a car during the coronavirus. The important thing is to remember the points listed above. We’ll continue to provide auto transport services for our customers, while at the same time following the necessary guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.

How can I receive my vehicle safely?

You can receive your vehicle in just the same way as you would before the coronavirus. The only difference would be to clean and disinfect any surfaces that might have been touched during the vehicle's journey and to wash your own hands afterwards.

How will car shipping be affected by the coronavirus?

There should be very little effect on the car shipping industry provided people follow basic hygiene guidelines and the spread of the disease is brought under control. We will be doing everything we can to continue providing a safe and secure auto shipping service and meeting the needs and expectations of our customers.

Is it safe to ship a car via a trailer during the coronavirus?

Rest assured, it is still safe to ship a car via a trailer during the coronavirus. COVID-19 is not an airborne disease and is only spread through close contact with an infected person. Once again, we should stress you can protect yourself by following the basic hygiene rules listed previously.

We will continue to provide a safe and secure auto transport service and if you want to know more about the services we offer speak with our shipping advisors. Call (864) 546-5038 now or use our Live Chat.