Understanding Truck Driver Health: A Series Overview
This article is the second installment in a four-part series focusing on the health and wellness of truck drivers, as part of CCJ’s What Drivers Want initiative. The other segments in this series include: “Keeping Drivers Means Offering More Than Health Insurance Coverage,” “Easing Drivers’ Access to Healthcare,” and “The Big Picture of Driver Wellness Includes Mental Health.”
Gulf Relay’s Commitment to Driver Wellness
Gulf Relay, a carrier based in Mississippi, has launched a safety program aimed at enhancing driver health, which incorporates the Fit to Pass initiative developed by Espyr. This program provides trained CDL coaches who are aware of the challenges drivers face and the associated health effects. Co-created by Perry, Fit to Pass assists companies in pinpointing drivers in need of intervention and helps implement strategies focused on improving health, such as advice on nutrition and exercise, along with providing accountability through health coaching.
Driver Insights on Health Challenges
A participant from the CCJ What Drivers Want survey shared concerns about limited exercise and poor dietary habits. Numerous responses highlighted the absence of nutritious food options while on the road. A survey of nearly 300 Trucker Path users found that only 25% prioritize healthy pre-made meals at truck stops, while merely 31.5% seek healthy groceries. The majority reported dining at truck stop restaurants or choosing takeout instead, with just 23.4% shopping for groceries.
Challenges in Securing Healthy Food Choices
Andy Vanzant, COO of Gulf Relay, acknowledged that drivers who have more time at home find it easier to shop for groceries and prepare meals for their trips, compared to those who are on the road for weeks. He emphasized the company’s responsibility to support these long-haul drivers in establishing a disciplined approach to food preparation and choice.
Incentives for Health Improvement
Gulf Relay recognized that many of its drivers faced health issues influencing insurance premiums. The company experimented with various initiatives, but found that the most effective programs included financial incentives. They provide a $100 bonus for maintaining a two-year DOT medical card and another $100 for moving from a one-year to a two-year card, indicating improved health. A dedicated team member contacts drivers 90 days prior to their next DOT physical, and Fit to Pass coaches are available to assist those seeking to enhance their health.
The Prevalent Health Issues among Drivers
According to Bob Perry, a health advocate for truck drivers, a concerning number of drivers possess a one-year DOT medical card or less, highlighting issues like pre-diabetes, hypertension, and sleep deprivation. He noted that about 55% of drivers in a typical fleet of 200 may fall into this category.
Innovative Health Solutions for Truck Drivers
Perry’s organization, Health in Transportation, partnered with NuraLogix to develop the CDL Health Scanner app. This smartphone application utilizes a standard camera to provide users with personalized health data critical for maintaining their health and driver’s license. It enables drivers to assess their blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, and respiration, revealing potential risks for conditions such as hypertension and type-2 diabetes in a user-friendly format.
Angel Coker Jones is the senior editor of Commercial Carrier Journal, focusing on technology, safety, and business segments. In her leisure time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, horseback riding, and foraging for medicinal plants. She also loves exploring new places to savor local cuisines, beer, and wine. Reach her at [email protected].
