THE region's freight and logistics companies are preparing to serve the community for the long haul, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Considered by the federal government as an essential service on Monday, trucks have continued to hit the road to deliver necessary goods across the country.
Tamex regional manager Brendan Rixon said it was vital his industry continued, but took appropriate health measures during the pandemic.
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"For us, we are implementing a lot of new measures to ensure we are following the government's health guidelines.
"At the moment, we are maintaining the 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines, looking to limit the amount of paper we use and limiting face-to-face contact wherever we can."
Mr Rixon said he was bracing for the industry to get steadily busier as the months progress.
"Right now we have been pretty steady, compared to where we usually are," he said.
"We were just starting to get a bit busier after that very welcome rain we had recently.
"A lot of the agriculture industries had really started to pick up again due to that rain and we were beginning to pick up because of that.
"However, it is difficult to say if we will get busier over the coming months, I think we could, but we are prepared to get busier or for a downturn, whichever way it goes."
The move comes after lobbying from the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) to ensure the industry remained an essential industry.
ATA chair Geoff Crouch said events of the past several weeks had proven why the industry should be considered essential by the government.
"As the national cabinet considers whether further shutdowns are necessary, the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers must ensure that trucking and its related industries continue to be regarded as essential," Mr Crouch said.
"The last few weeks have reminded every single Australian of the importance of our truck drivers, supported by schedulers, loaders, forkies, logistics managers, service technicians and all the other people who make up our industry.
"The whole of the supply chain, including the Australian Logistics Council, the ATA and our member associations are reminding governments of the importance of freight."
Mr Rixon echoed Mr Crouch's sentiments, saying remaining on the road was vital for the country's future.
"It's not all about today," he said.
"In my opinion, it's vital that we keep the supply chain going.
"That's why we are essential and eager to keep doing what we can to support the community."