Güttler Secures Commute for Czech Cross-Border Workers

The logistics service provider Güttler Logistik GmbH procures 1,200 rapid COVID-19 tests for its Czech cross-border workers. A specially trained employee performs the throat swab. The vehicle dispatch is not affected by the restrictions.

(Hof/Saale), February 26, 2021 – Güttler Logistik GmbH is struggling with the consequences of border controls with the Czech Republic. The problem is not the trucks stuck in traffic, but employees who may not be allowed into the country. The logistics company located directly at the border currently employs 48 professional drivers from the neighboring eastern country, more than a third of whom cross the border daily. Whether the Czech employees will be able to reliably report for duty in the near future is questionable due to the tightened entry regulations. Although Güttler is classified as a system-relevant company due to its transport services in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, cross-border commuters must present a negative COVID-19 test result that is no older than 48 hours. With the help of 1,200 rapidly acquired rapid tests and a qualified employee from the health department, the logistics company is taking the testing of the driving personnel into its own hands.

Procurement of Rapid Tests

“With the procurement of the rapid tests, we were able to ease the situation in the company somewhat. The drivers are no longer stuck at the border but can be tested at our company thanks to an official certificate,” says Marco Mirwald, overall fleet manager of Güttler Logistik GmbH. To this end, the owner-managed company has converted its in-house cafeteria, which is currently not in use due to contact restriction measures. Five people can be tested simultaneously there with sufficient distance. The sample collection may officially be performed by an employee of Güttler, who has been specifically trained for this by the health department of the district of Hof. The result is available within five to 30 minutes.
Güttler was able to quickly purchase 600 rapid tests from a neighboring company that produces them, as well as receive another 600 pieces free of charge from the city of Hof. With this supply, the logistics company should be able to survive the next few weeks, according to Mirwald: “If it comes to the worst, we have to test every daily commuter three times a week and weekend commuters once. Our testing capacities would then last for almost three months.” The current border controls have been extended by the government until March 3, 2021. Since the transporter does not maintain regular traffic to and from the Czech Republic, vehicle dispatch is hardly affected by the control measures.
Despite all the frustration over the measures taken by the government, Mirwald still praises the authorities: “Our entire region is affected by the abrupt border closure; non-system-relevant companies have been at a standstill since then. But the local health department has immensely supported us and even created certificates for the entry of cross-border commuters late into the night.”
Photo: © Güttler
www.guettlerlogistik.de