Getting crucial supplies to health care workers has remained a critical issue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To aid those in need, Lansing, Mich.’s Dean Trailways applied for temporary emergency operating authority through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and received emergency declaration.

Dean Trailways is now approved to move COVID-19 materials and people, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, health care workers, and other necessary supplies to fight the spread of the illness. The company’s training facility has been converted to serve as a distribution and shipping point for vital supplies if needed.

Approval of Dean Trailways’ application means it is able to serve as a much-needed partner in a larger, communitywide effort established by regional business leaders to generate new ways to aid the region during COVID-19. The temporarily granted authority expires on August 4.

“We believe our drivers have the potential to help suppress COVID-19 within our communities. Right now, they are unable to make their usual daily impact transporting passengers to activities or special events, but they’ve stepped up and are working to provide relief to the heroes of this pandemic who are on front lines saving lives,” said Kellie Dean, president and CEO of Dean Trailways.

So far, the company has contacted 500 businesses to let them know Dean Trailways’ team and vehicles are available to transport donated COVID-19 materials and people. Dean will continue to donate transportation, distribution, and storage free of charge to organizations that are donating products or services for the foreseeable future.

In addition to receiving authority to transport COVID-19 related materials, the company has also taken enhanced measures to improve the cleanliness of its vehicles to protect employees and riders alike.

“We’ve taken steps to ensure our drivers can not only continue to serve their communities, but they can do so safely and effectively because we are adhering to a variety of strict new protocols that reduce the potential spread of COVID-19,” said Dean. “We have created a wash team and set of procedures to ensure that all of our coaches are properly sanitized between uses. When our staff and riders return in full force, they can do so knowing we have taken many steps to suppress COVID-19.”