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To Our Customers: COVID-19 Update

Mar. 31 2020 News By Cameron Nichols

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Updated July 23, 2020

Partners and Customers of Palmer Trucks:

In the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Palmer Trucks has continuously monitored developments for the safety and well-being of our team members, customers, vendors and their families – our highest priority.

We remain committed to serving our customers with a safe, healthy and pleasant experience at each of our locations. All stores remain open with normal hours of operation in order to ensure our nation’s supply chain is supported. In light of this fact, several federal agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the United States Department of Homeland Security have deemed Palmer Trucks’ operations as essential business.

The following measures have been implemented and revised to protect all customers and visitors to Palmer Trucks facilities, along with the organization’s employees, until further notice:

Everyone is always welcome to our facilities: please look for signage and follow the measures below prior to entering a building.

  • Masks - Per state mandates, all customers are required to wear masks when visiting Palmer Trucks facilities.
  • Hand washing – As always, please routinely wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If none is available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Please be sure to scrub all surfaces. Hand sanitizer and soap at hand-washing sinks are available throughout our facilities.
  • Store and truck cleanliness – Alongside daily cleaning procedures, team members will regularly disinfect common surfaces. Trucks receiving service will be disinfected on the driver’s side along with other precautions, such as steering wheel and seat covers. New trucks being delivered will be disinfected prior to issuance. Additionally, all rental trucks will continue to be fully wiped down and sanitized prior to being issued to a customer.
  • Do not shake hands – Refrain from handshakes with Palmer Trucks team members and fellow customers. Consider greeting alternatives that don’t involve touching.
  • Minimize face-to-face meetings – Use technology to communicate in all available circumstances. If an individual must be interacted with to conduct business, do so one-on-one and maintain a healthy distance to prevent the spread of the virus through air droplets. Prior to visiting a dealership or store, please use phone and contact form resources at www.palmertrucks.com.
  • Virtual truck showroom format – Our sales teams are often working remotely, and dealership staff are being kept to the minimum requirement to ensure safe and healthy operations. We are still more than happy to assist with new and used truck purchases during this time, as all team members are available via cell phone. If necessary, a lot visit to view a commercial truck unit can be arranged. Social distancing will be practiced for everyone’s benefit.
  • Truck delivery – Delivery of new units will be ongoing; however, disinfecting procedures will be utilized prior to delivery. All team members will be practicing social distancing as part of the process.
  • Parts departments have pick-up and delivery – All parts showrooms are now open, utilizing plexiglass safety barriers for the safety of staff. Calls to the dealership prior to arrival will ensure promptness of order fulfillment and are encouraged. Parts departments are still offering curbside service and delivery.

Deliveries will continue, if the customer will receive them; however, social distancing will be utilized along with additional precautions for our drivers to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, Outside Parts Salespersons will not be making site visits. Please practice social distancing and use phone numbers to call ahead to Palmer Trucks facilities. Look for signage and call ahead, rather than entering a facility. Contact information can be found at www.palmertrucks.com.

  • Driver’s Lounges are in limited use – Driver’s lounges are in limited use to ensure adequate social distancing. Please consult with dealership staff regarding alternatives. We want to ensure you remain cared for during your time of service, while ensuring the safety of all.
  • If requiring service, please leave your truck and the property – To maintain adequate social distancing, please leave your truck and the dealership once handed off to a service writer, if able. Our team will be in constant communication regarding the status of your unit and will work with you to schedule pick-up. Only one customer at a time may be in a service writer’s office or present at the counter. Please exercise patience and call ahead, if at all possible. Be sure to look for instructional signage and call the store upon arrival. Contact information can be found at www.palmertrucks.com.
  • If experiencing symptoms, avoid dealerships and stores – If experiencing a fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing or combination thereof, please seek medical attention and do not visit a Palmer Trucks facility. Follow all advised self-quarantine protocols as prescribed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.


Please encourage fellow patrons to be aware of and practice these guidelines.

While the situation is a moving target, developing day-to-day, we encourage everyone to be flexible and supportive of these measures for the well-being of all. Our values, teamwork, and care for one another have enabled the organization to grow and thrive for more than half a century, and continuing to do so will ensure that the trucking industry remains strong. 

During this time, we are encouraging the donation of surplus personal protective equipment (PPE) to local hospitals. This includes equipment such as masks, gowns, and protective eyewear. Palmer Trucks will be contributing to this effort through any means viable.

Remember – what you do matters. Regardless of the state of affairs, all our goods and services move by and depend upon trucks. Our customers work to keep the economy moving ahead and are what comprises the backbone of this country. Through perseverance, precaution and teamwork, we will overcome this challenging time.

Again, our team is here for you, cares for you, and supports you. We want all team members, customers and their families to be healthy and safe. Updates will continue to be shared by company personnel, along with postings to our website and public communication channels.

- The Palmer-Nichols Family & Palmer Trucks Team Members