How Have Long Distance Moving Companies Adjusted to COVID-19?
The long-distance moving sector is one of the industries that were hit hard by COVID-19. No industry had prepared for COVID-19 as all industries had not expected there to be an outbreak of the pandemic. 2020 was a challenging year for all long-distance moving companies due to the lockdown measures and other WHO recommendations. Out of the sector’s challenges, the long-distance companies had to adapt to the new norm and adopt new measures to ensure they remained open.
The following are ways in which long-distance companies have adjusted to COVID-19:
Movers adhere to social distancing protocols
Employees of long-distance moving companies have avoided close contacts. However, it’s challenging to limit close contacts unless a truck will only carry one employee. 2020 saw the employees maintaining social distance in their places of work. In 2021, long-distance moving companies will continue to coordinate their employees to limit the number of personnel entering and leaving the building. Currently, those moving large items hold on separate ends to maintain distance.
Minimization of contact with clients
After the health authorities recommended that people stay 6 feet apart, long-distance moving companies have advised their clients not to accompany their possessions when they are in transit. In case of queries, clients make calls during the transit. It has been a tradition for movers to visit the client’s home before the transit day. However, the practice is no longer sustainable, and the long-distance movers have to meet their clients virtually. Any negotiations and paperwork are through virtual platforms.
Movers are also planning how their clients can have their possessions packed and ready for transit before the moving day to avoid contact. It will be easy to keep social distance when fewer people are in the house, hence keeping everyone safe.
Vigilance on cleanliness and safety procedure
Long-distance movers have been more vigilant on COVID-19 safety protocols, and they do ensure that there is sanitation and cleanliness around the offices. The hyper-vigilance provides clients with much-needed confidence. Long-distance trucks are sanitized before loading and after loading. Although the virus might have died off by the time they are offloading, it’s always better to stay safe than sorry.
Employees do wear masks and gloves throughout working hours. There is also regular taking of temperatures among the workers. Anyone with abnormal temperatures goes home to undergo check-ups. The protocol ensures that the personnel do not infect the client’s possession with the virus if they are positive.
Caution on COVID-19 financial impacts
Long-distance moving companies have undergone huge losses as clients have severally canceled or rescheduled moves due to the lockdown measures. The havoc wreaked by the pandemic even on the economy has made movers seek loans to keep them afloat. The sector has also changed its priorities to avoid making more losses and capitalize on growing their businesses. The long-distance moving companies have taken advantage of the various relief programs offered by the various governments. Such programs have enabled the companies to pay their employees until the economy opens up.
Provision of psychological and physical support to their workers
The impact of the pandemic has left many people stressed and depressed. Workers are part of the community and are given moral and emotional support by the long-distance moving companies. The mental health issue has become a significant issue among workers, and the moving companies will be required to support their personnel in their recovery. Those who have missed work for a prolonged work period will need to be supported by theory employers.
2021 will also see the adjustments as the pandemic is not yet over. Although the development of the COVID-19 vaccine is undergoing, there are reported cases of new strains of COVID-19; hence long distance moving companies have to continue adjusting to the new norm. Moving companies have to adjust their budgets and align themselves, ready for the uncertainty ahead. However, there is a bright future for the moving industry if leaders remain creative and innovative.
