The company that picks up waste and recyclables in Pacific says it is experiencing trouble in keeping drivers and obtaining parts to keep all its trucks in safe operating condition. The company says COVID is the cause of both delays.
In a letter to Pacific officials, Tony Lamantia, municipal representative with the city’s waste hauler, Waste Connections, said the firm is tackling a range of challenges to keep up with pick-ups.
The biggest issue the firm faces is having enough drivers for all its route. Lamantia said all haulers are having similar problems keeping or hiring drivers. He said Waste Connections is offering signing bonuses if the individual stays with the firm for a certain amount of time and is coming up other incentives.
Another problem for haulers, he said, is even bigger. Because of the COVID manufacturers of truck parts are not producing these parts.
“This is a major concern and we are scrambling to get our fleet back on the streets. We are a safety first company so it might take a little longer but we are committed to safety and service.
”We have done all we can with our fleet and drivers to get the trash and recycle serviced in each City,” Lamantia said.“Our management knows what is happening and we have every working body who has a commercial drivers license on a truck.”
Lamantia asked the City of Pacific staff and elected officials to please be patient.
“Our management knows what is happening,” Lamantia said. “We have every working body who has a Commercial drivers License on a truck.”
The full letter is page 115 of 115 pages in the City’s board packet for July 20, 2021. www.pacificmissouri.com under government/agendas & minutes.
