Industry associations
While working on numerous issues, trucking associations recognize the industry’s need for healthy drivers and how it relates to the driver shortage. Abigail Potter, a research analyst for ATA, acknowledges the double-edged sword: yes, drivers must pass a federally-regulated medical exam, and if drivers are not healthy, it “reduces our driver pool.” In response, ATA has been involved in various campaigns to raise awareness in tandem with other trucking groups. In January, the Healthy Fleet Challenge was launched, pitting U.S. driving teams against Canadian teams using FitBit or the MOVES app.
The Truckload Carriers Association, with help from state trucking associations, hosts driver health fair events during ATA’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Last year’s event was held at 15 Travel-Centers of America/Petro locations nationwide, with a nurse at each location to conduct blood pressure screenings and glucose tests.
The Healthy Trucking Association of America coordinates free disease screenings, such as last year’s hepatitis C campaign held at truck stops, employer testing sites, and clinics serving the trucking community.
The association also provides phone apps to help drivers cope with chronic health conditions. Through the Healthy Trucking Driver Vitality Program, drivers get a personal online health portal, a health risk assessment, mentoring, and nutritional
evaluation. The program includes a gym network integrated to the driver’s personal web portal and awards points for the completion of prescribed exercises, which can then be spent at the online ‘Vitality Mall.’
Another initiative, Healthy Trucking Pays, offers up to 10,000 overweight truckers a free physician-supervised weight loss program and a chance to earn more than $800 for participating, with priority given to applicants with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.
Truck stops
Truck stops, too, have gotten on the healthy driver bandwagon. TravelCenters of America/Petro’s StayFit program identifies healthy food options in their convenience store and on sit-down restaurant menus. Workout rooms are offered at 54 sites, while walking/running trails were created at 144 sites, and basketball hoops can be found at 27 sites. Several sites offer U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals and other medical services.
Another fuel and food chain, Pilot Flying J, teamed up with Urgent Care Travel to open the first urgent care center for truckers in 2013 at its travel center in Knoxville, TN. Pilot plans to open 100 such sites nationwide by the end of 2016. In addition, the company partnered with Pete Thomas, a winner from NBC’s The Biggest Loser television franchise, to coach professional drivers in living a healthier lifestyle. Thomas crisscrosses the country to meet drivers and visit trucking companies to motivate, educate, and inspire truckers to eat right and exercise.
