Oral history interview with Eric Rossier
Title
Oral history interview with Eric Rossier
Description
Eric Rossier discusses his experiences as a regional truck driver during the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes that this was the first time when he felt that the government, police, and other citizens recognized the important contributions that truckers provide. He also describes the extended hours truck drivers worked during the pandemic and how many found the idea of taking money not to work inconceivable. Since truck drivers were considered essential workers, his work continued during the closure of the US-Canadian border. However, he observes that services, such as restaurants and rest areas, were often closed or unavailable, requiring him to be creative with carrying his own food and water. He was a single truck driver and did not have to wear a mask while driving, though he masked when he was with other people. Early in 2020, he recalls becoming ill along with all the children in his daughter's preschool class in Lincoln, Vermont, and many of their parents. He believes he may have contracted COVID then as one of their families had recently returned from travel to China. He also shares his observations about how panic buying created supply shortages and increased anxiety levels.
Eric Rossier of Vergennes and Lincoln, Vermont, was a trailer truck driver during the COVID-19 pandemic. He transported hay and straw to dairy farms, goat farms, and beef operations throughout New York and New England. Because most of the product he transported came from Canada, he would regularly cross the US-Canadian border.
Sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-251676-OMS-22.
Eric Rossier of Vergennes and Lincoln, Vermont, was a trailer truck driver during the COVID-19 pandemic. He transported hay and straw to dairy farms, goat farms, and beef operations throughout New York and New England. Because most of the product he transported came from Canada, he would regularly cross the US-Canadian border.
Sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-251676-OMS-22.
Date
2024-08-06
Subject
Source
Collecting COVID-19: A Vermont Story Project
Identifier
AudioFileCOVID-055
Format
MP3
WAV
Type
Audio file
Rights
Permission to publish material from the Collecting COVID-19: A Vermont Story Project may be obtained from the Vermont Historical Society.
Interviewer
Bosek, Marcia Sue DeWolf
Interviewee
Rossier, Eric
Duration
42 min., 30 sec.
Repository
Vermont Historical Society Library, 60 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641-4215
Collection
Citation
“Oral history interview with Eric Rossier,” Digital Vermont: A Project of the Vermont Historical Society, accessed April 1, 2025, https://digitalvermont.org/vtcovid/AudioFileCOVID-055.