Project 61, a nonprofit focused on improving truck driver health, has acquired Offshift, a digital health platform specifically designed for truck drivers.
According to Project 61, truck drivers have the highest obesity and diabetes rates among U.S. occupations, and the situation is worsening. Project 61 aims to counteract this troubling trend.
Offshift’s technology now supports Project 61’s mission by providing free, practical tools and fostering a community led by truck drivers.
The platform aids drivers in developing healthier routines regarding nutrition, physical activity, and sleep—key factors that contribute to overall wellbeing, energy, and safety.
The name “Project 61” reflects a sobering statistic: truck drivers are passing away at an average age of just 61, as noted on the organization’s website.
Promoting Healthier Lives for Truck Drivers
“To tackle this widespread health crisis in the industry effectively, technology must pave the way,” stated Jeremy Reymer, the founder of Project 61, in a news release.
“By acquiring Offshift, we are converting awareness into actionable steps, empowering drivers to make daily choices that lead to longer, healthier lives.”
Wellness for Drivers Begins on the Job
The platform offers features tailored to the realities of life on the road, whether it’s a quick workout in their cab, healthy food options at truck stops, or sleep tracking through wearable technology.
“Offshift originated from a place of frustration,” remarked Mark Manera, Offshift’s founder, in a news release.
His LinkedIn profile highlights his experience as a physical therapist working with industrial athletes, where he witnessed how trucking lifestyles contribute to chronic diseases, disabilities, and burnout.
“We created Offshift to initiate change,” Manera explained.
“Now, by partnering with Project 61, we aim to make that vision a reality for the entire trucking sector. Together, we’re not just raising awareness about this health issue; we’re delivering a proven solution to every driver across North America at no cost.”
Mark Manera and Jeremy Reymer share a commitment to enhancing truck driver health.
Image: HDT Graphic/Project 61 image
Manera will assume the roles of president and chief health officer of Project 61, collaborating with founder and CEO Jeremy Reymer.
Addressing health issues across the industry will be a focal point of the initiative, which aims to create community connections among drivers, companies, and families centered around shared health objectives. The first challenge is set to launch on October 1.
Investing in the Health of Truck Drivers
Both organizations believe that investing in the health of drivers is one of the most effective ways to minimize risks in the trucking industry.
They emphasize that when drivers are unhealthy, it leads to increased risks along with higher healthcare expenses, workers’ compensation claims, accident rates, and disability payments.
Conversely, healthier drivers tend to be safer, more alert, and more engaged, as noted in the release. Fleets benefit from better safety scores, reduced turnover rates, and decreased overall exposure.
