They continue to be on the frontline delivering essential goods while adhering to a strict regime of rules, including continual testing and permit systems.

They also face the risk of contracting the virus, as seen by one truck driver who tested positive to COVID-19 after stopping at Henty on August 26 and Coolac on August 31 while potentially infectious.

In another case, nearly 50 Howlong pet food factory workers had to go into isolation after a COVID-infected Wodonga truckie stopped at the plant.

However, one Riverina driver considers himself lucky to be still working.

Henty's Steve Richardson is a third-generation truck driver working for his family's company, Richardson and Sons Haulage. While he continues to work through the pandemic, there are added hurdles he has to face travelling across state lines.

"Every time I have to cross into Victoria and back I have to make sure I have the right permit," Mr Richardson said.

"I also have to get tested every three days as part of the surveillance rules."

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Mr Richardson said it was a "tough gig" when the roadhouses were not permitted to be open for truckies, but since they have been allowed to reopen, things have been easier.

"You couldn't have a shower and get decent food," he said. "That was the biggest problem, so it was a relief when they were fixed."

Mr Richardson said he is aware that COVID-19 could be a threat to him as he moves around while NSW is under lockdown orders, but he added that he was incredibly grateful to be still working.

"There are a lot of people who can't work, and there are a lot of businesses that could not survive in today's climate," he said.

"I am lucky that I have been able to keep going."

Ron Crouch Transport executive director Geoff Crouch said every single truck driver is facing "onerous conditions" as essential workers that are permitted to continue working.

"Depending on the state they are going into, they have to get a COVID-19 test every three to seven days," he said.

"Testing sites are not easy for truck drivers to get to and there are some that are accessible but not always convenient.

"However, they still get out there and they do what they need to do despite the difficulty and despite the necessity to get tested so often."

Mr Crouch emphasised that without trucks, many critical services and supply chains would come to a grinding halt.

He said it was disheartening to see the backlash against drivers on social media after some have tested positive to COVID-19,

"It's extremely disappointing to see truck drivers who are going above and beyond to keep supermarkets stocked and essential supplies moving being spoken about in a derogatory manner with no consideration for what they are going through," he said.

"Everything would be stopped without them."

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