COVID-19 has brought everything across the world to a screeching halt, except trucks, baby! Sorry, I know this might be a little bit of an overzealous reaction to delivery trucks, but damn, it’s been a tough year, and we deserve to wring out all the joy we can from every situation possible. UPS and FedEx were brought into the fold to execute the massive rollout of Pfizer’s vaccine.

We have depended on these ol’ diesel trucks for years, but now their loads are getting a little more serious, and the job these truckers do gets more serious with it. Consider this an ode to truckers and their steeds. 

Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 are going to pass through truck stops before hospitals

Frieghtwaves reports that as of Monday morning, December 14, Pfizer’s massive complex in Michigan is teeming with UPS and FedEx packing and hauling out as much of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as the diesel beasts can handle. The two delivery competitors are working together on Operation Warp Speed to roll out the vaccine doses as quickly as possible. They have essentially split the country in half to focus their efforts on getting this initial shipment to doctors, nurses, and other essential healthcare workers ASAP. 

FedEx and UPS are, of course, using planes to move large quantities of the vaccine as well, but this is a car site, and thus the trucks are king. 

Pfizer and some trucks are saving America

FedEx alone has a fleet of over 180,000 vehicles, not including its 670 aircraft. UPS is working with similar numbers. The range of vehicles used by these two companies, especially now with the added support, can range widely from a part-time driver in their personal truck to a full-sized tractor-trailer making the long hauls. It’s probably fair to say that the most commonly referenced trucks for these two delivery companies are the walk-in trucks. These are the sliding door, 3-foot long shifter, lumbering boxes that make you smile when you’re expecting something good in the mail. 

For the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19, these are going to be the MVPs. Yes, the planes will move large quantities very quickly, but the trucks are the boots on the ground. These monster diesel trucks will deliver the payload to the hospitals and various other care facilities, and eventually, the public. 

FedEx and UPS both a variety of different tractor-trailer manufactures, from Mac to Kenworth. Some drivers own their own rig, and others use the big brown or the white a purple. According to 0-60 Specs, these are the most popular big rigs roaming the highways. 

The Kenworth T680

This truck is widely regarded as one of the most productive rigs in the game. We’re talking about high reliability, high resale, and high driver satisfaction. We spend a lot of time in our cars, but most of us don’t spend 12 hrs a day in them. The Kenworth T680 is also the most fuel-efficient truck out there. For long haul trucking, this is maybe the most important thing. It saves fuel costs, of course, but more importantly, it saves time, and time is money. The Kenworth makes a casual 500 hp, which isn’t crazy in the trucking world, but 500 hp is always cool and worth noting. 

The Volvo FH16

The old big rigs were known to be difficult and complicated to drive due to the massive manual gearboxes and sheer size of the trucks, but the Volvo is firmly in the new school with features like the I-Shift system. This removes any manual inputs and creates a simpler and flawless experience. The advanced transmission helps to save fuel, and time by using the weight of the truck to hit the perfect shift points. The gearing is also very customizable to further help save on fuel and lower emissions. The Volvo makes an enormous 750 hp and can even use natural gas as a fuel alternative. 

The International Lonestar

I never thought I’d see “International” and “World’s most advanced,” but here we are. 0-60 Specs, in fact, calls the Lonestar the world’s most advanced semi-truck, and its looks match the moniker. The Lonestar is sharply angled, aerodynamic, and futuristic. Drivers tend to find it comfortable and safe, and beyond compare in regards to suspension and handling. 

The road goes on forever and the party never ends

These are wild times we live in, of that, there is no doubt. Many of us are sequestered in our homes, and as a result, we are depending on these hardworking drivers more than ever before, at least, that’s how it feels. delivery drivers and pilots have been the backbone of our nation and world, for a long time and they deserve our respect as do their hardworking rigs. 

Now, as we wait, hopeful to see the rollout of the vaccine work safely and effectively, we know more than ever the vital role these people play in our safety, comfort, and well-being. Hats off to the men and women running the big rigs. We appreciate y’all – and I think your trucks are really cool.