Rene Robert, an owner-operator with Trappers Transport, was helping to stock plenty of shelves with fresh food. But things have changed when loads arrive.

“Shippers don’t want us in their building. Instead, they bring us the paperwork to the truck, and we have to stay in our truck.”

He worries that news reports are scaring people into doing “silly, stupid things”, especially when it comes to hoarding food. Would-be thieves – who Robert describes as “unscrupulous idiots” – have already tried to break in to a few of his company’s trailers.

The fleet now requires drivers to avoid non-secure truck stops, or from parking at the side of B.C. roads.

“I kind of feel nonchalant about this serious situation and I will not lose sleep over it,” he says. “I’m leaving again tomorrow for Vancouver, and I go with the hope that the sun will shine again soon for everyone. Somebody has got to do it, and I’m part of a big group who cares for others.”

• Coronavirus Chronicles tell the trucking industry’s personal stories from the front lines of Covid-19. They are drawn from the ongoing coverage at www.trucknews.com.