Recognizing the Importance of Truck Drivers
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting supply chain crisis highlighted the crucial role truck drivers play in our daily lives. Many Americans came to understand for the first time that everything available in stores—from food to everyday items—was transported by truckers. However, data from the CDC indicates that truck drivers are twice as likely to suffer from chronic health conditions compared to other professions. While the average retirement age in the U.S. is 64, a truck driver’s life expectancy is only 61—a sobering fact for those of us passionate about the industry.
A Family Legacy
My aspiration to be a truck driver is influenced by family traditions. My great-great-grandfather, Nicky Lombard, along with his brother, John, immigrated to the United States around the early 1900s. They began by selling ice from a horse-drawn carriage and later founded Lombard Bros. Inc. in 1923. Their company evolved into one of the largest motor carriers in the Northeast, extending from Maryland to Maine. My grandfather owned and operated trucks for Lombard for 30 years. Although Lombard was affected by the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and sold in 1984, I cherish the 23 years I spent hearing my grandfather’s tales about the business.
Health Challenges in Trucking
Despite his dedication to trucking, my grandfather faced significant health challenges. He suffered a heart attack even before I was born and later passed away due to complications from heart disease, a fate that also befell his father. The demanding nature of long hours on the road, coupled with unhealthy eating habits and limited physical activity, put drivers at risk for various health issues.
Finding a Healthy Path
As I prepared to obtain my CDL permit, I was acutely aware of the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle while pursuing a trucking career. In the summer of 2020, after moving to Central Texas from Connecticut, I began to strategize on how I could do this job while prioritizing my health. My previous work allowed me to interact with many truck drivers, which fueled my desire to join the ranks without becoming another statistic. I invested in an air fryer, a food scale, and a microwave to help me control my diet.
Implementing My Fitness Plan
During my initial weeks on the road, I faced many challenges, especially since I wasn’t allowed to take my prepared meals. To adapt, I used a health app to monitor my calorie intake and focused on consuming fewer calories, relying on black coffee and seltzer water to manage hunger. I utilized my down time to engage in physical activity, whether while waiting at a shipper or taking a break. I registered the importance of using my time effectively: if I had a 10-hour break, I could allocate 30-45 minutes for jogging.
A New Approach to Trucking
After three weeks on the road, I returned home and prepared my truck with healthy foods, including fresh fruits and meals cooked with my air fryer. I discovered the benefits of food tracking, which helped me find low-calorie alternatives like keto bread. Exercise became part of my routine; I dressed in workout clothes while driving and utilized my breaks to stay active through walking or bodyweight exercises. This discipline ultimately led me to complete five marathons during three years of over-the-road driving.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Truckers
Truck drivers deserve to prioritize their health rather than spending days off in exhaustion. It’s crucial that we take accountability for our wellness because no one will save us—we must rescue ourselves. Maintaining a healthy routine isn’t simple, but tracking calories, remaining hydrated, achieving daily step counts, and ensuring adequate rest can indeed enhance one’s quality of life.
—Michael Lombard, truck driver, fitness coach, and advocate for drivers’ health.
