COVID-19 COMMUNICATION

We made it through a very difficult April but May is here and spring is in the air and both companies are continuing to remain strong and ready for the next challenges. Together, we will survive, and thrive, as long as we keep our focus and effort.

You Truly Are Essential

Each day, as I drive to and from the office, I see the billboards and electronic signs on the road, and even hand-made yard signs in my neighborhood, thanking all the essential workers. Usually these are for the amazing health care workers across the country, but I have even seen one for truck drivers and utility workers. For me, however, every time I see such a sign, I think of you.

While the health care professionals, truckers, and utility company workers deserve everyone’s thanks for caring for the sick and elderly and providing needed products and utilities, each of you deserves just as much thanks and praise for your efforts ensuring the rail supply chain keeps moving. Remember, we are helping our customers deliver their products and those products either are or become products that consumers critically need at this time. Our customers make materials like polymers and chemicals that go into facemasks, medical tubing, IV bags, hand sanitizers, and hundreds of other products. Every rail car transporting a raw material or finished product impacts the supply chain network of the nation in some capacity. Each of you is critical to helping supply these important materials enabling all Americans to combat this crisis and protect their families and loved ones. I know it’s been difficult and hard on you but every time you see an essential worker sign, think of the amazing work you are doing and take comfort in knowing that thank you is for you as well. 

Helping Each Other and Others 

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly reminded us that we cannot control everything happening around us, but it has also shown we can control how we support one another. I have heard countless stories of our employees helping other employees in their time of need and helping in their communities. From picking up and delivering groceries and needed items to employees who are housebound, to volunteering to help others in need in their neighborhood, and donating blood, Rescar and AllTranstek employees have thought of others. Thanks to all of you for your selfless efforts to help others in need during these times.

Broken Record Time

I titled this section broken record because I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but personal hygiene and safe distancing is the number one “tool” to fight and beat this virus. I think I have washed my hands more in the last 6 weeks than I have in the almost 60 years I have been alive but that is what we need to keep doing. Please stay focused on these two things as we head into another week and be safe.

- ​Joseph F. Schieszler, Jr., CEO