Editor’s note: This article is the second installment in a three-part series addressing truck driver wellness, primarily derived from a recent CCJ survey involving over 500 company drivers and leased owner-operators. The first part dealt with stress, while this installment centers on mental health.
The health of truck drivers is heavily influenced by their sedentary work environment, limited chances for physical activity, poor access to nutritious foods, and erratic sleep patterns, as found in CCJ’s 2024 What Drivers Want survey conducted with Lytx. This survey reveals significant health implications for drivers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the trucking sector has the highest obesity and diabetes rates across U.S. professions. The study published in BMC Public Health indicated that commercial drivers facing adverse psychosocial work conditions are at elevated risk for cardiovascular issues. Extended hours of driving, job-related strain, and fatigue correlate with a higher probability of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and heart attacks.
In the CCJ survey, 19% of participants identified physical health as their primary concern, second only to financial worries (29%). While a majority (44%) indicated they do not have stress-related illnesses, 42% reported hypertension, 22% dealt with obesity, and 13% struggled with insomnia. “These chronic conditions stem from excessive sugars, grains, and unhealthy oils, leading to insulin resistance,” explained Dr. Graham Simpson, an internal medicine expert at Opt Health. He emphasized that diet plays a crucial role in these health issues.
Nutrition Challenges on the Road
A study by Crespo et al. (2024) highlighted that access to a refrigerator and microwave in trucks can facilitate healthier eating for long-haul drivers, allowing them to store and consume home-cooked meals on the road. Driver Amy Thompson-Bernard emphasized the importance of these amenities, stating, “A microwave and refrigerator along with food storage is a must.” The research also underscored the role of social support in maintaining a nutritious diet, noting that partners help enforce healthy meal preparation at home.
However, truck drivers face significant obstacles in obtaining healthy food. With the increase of fast-food outlets—approximately 1.5% annually in the last five years, according to IBIS World—drivers like Bill Caulfield lament the decrease in diners offering homestyle meals, leading to greater reliance on unhealthy options. Driver Mike Paluszewski echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s extremely difficult to eat healthy food while trucking; only fast food is available.” Moreover, parking challenges further constrain dining choices, pushing drivers toward places with available space rather than healthier options.
Wellness Initiatives and Support
Lindsey Bryan from the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund stressed the importance of tailored wellness programs for truck drivers that tackle these unique challenges. The SCF provides various free services, including tobacco cessation and virtual diabetes prevention programs, which aim to enhance the health of OTR drivers. Bryan noted that achieving a healthy balance without resorting to dull diets is essential for success.
Mark Manera, CEO of Offshift, emphasized the necessity of building relationships with drivers to foster better health. Offshift’s initiatives target obesity-related chronic diseases through tailored health plans and routines. Owner-operator Garrett Steenblik, who lost 200 pounds, founded Trucker’s Body Shop, aiming to gather accessible health resources for truck drivers. He highlighted the significance of providing clear dietary guidelines based on various scenarios truckers might face on the road.
While innovative solutions are emerging, industry veteran Charles Walker cautioned about the impact of genetics on health, advising prospective drivers to consider their family health history before entering the profession.
