The COVID Guardian Add-In for Geotab Drive curates critical information in the Geotab Drive app, making it easier for drivers during these challenging times. The add-in offers the ability for drivers to use the Drive app for more than just HOS.

“While many of us were sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic, sheltering in place and working from home, truckers continued to maintain their pace, transporting essential goods across the country. One of the biggest issues that truckers have faced during this time is that the routes they were accustomed to pre-pandemic have been riddled with ever-changing closures, hours of operation, regulations and more. Designed to address truckers’ frustrations and vital need for up-to-date information, our COVID Guardian add-in to the Geotab Drive mobile app will give hundreds of thousands of truckers across the U.S. easy access to this important information, helping them keep healthy, fed, and safe during this unprecedented time," said Scott Sutarik, VP, Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab. 

As a result of COVID-19, truck drivers, particularly long-haul drivers, have encountered numerous problems as normal business operations have been disrupted including:

• Sanitation: Finding restrooms which are open & the revised hours of operation.

• Food: Finding grocery stores or open places to eat, not knowing online ordering capability & the revised hours of operation.

• Parking: Find parking lots which are operational.

• COVID regulation changes: Staying updated on changing regulations regarding  establishment hours of operations, CDL certifications, etc.

This free Add-In will curate the above information into the Drive app in a separate tab titled “COVID Guardian."

The Guardian add-in displays results on a map with icons representing the business type. The icons can be clicked on to display more information about each business, including type, services provided, whether take out or online ordering is available, whether it's currently open or closed, and overall hours of operation. Drivers have the option to give feedback on the accuracy of information posted online regarding whether it's currently open or closed, and the available facilities at the location (takeout vs online order and bathroom availability). 

The app also provides location-based COVID info. Based on the selected state and current COVID-related regulations, drivers can view business closures, social distancing guidelines, and certification updates.