In the fast-paced world of transportation and logistics, drivers are the backbone of the industry, moving over 70% of the nation’s freight.
However, according to recent studies, more than 80% of truck drivers face health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, and chronic fatigue. These problems not only affect their lives and well-being, but also cost carriers billions in healthcare expenses and lost productivity each year.
Creating a culture of wellness isn’t just a benefit, it’s a necessity. For carriers, investing in the health of their drivers is a smart business decision that can lead to improved safety, retention, and operational efficiency. For drivers, healthy habits are key to a long, productive life and career.
The Importance of Healthy Habits for Truck Drivers
It is not difficult to see why a career in trucking can be detrimental to your health.
Truck drivers often spend long hours sitting, which increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, isolation, irregular schedules, and stress can also take a toll on mental well-being, with a 2018 study finding that the prevalence of depression in truck drivers is over 13%, nearly double the rate of the American public.
Promoting wellness is crucial to mitigating these risks, reducing driver burnout and increasing retention rates. Healthy, happy drivers are more productive, and they are more likely to be committed to company culture and growing their careers.
5 Ways To Promote Healthy Habits With Your Drivers
Carriers can have a major impact on the wellbeing of their drivers, and these 6 tips will help you prioritize the mental and physical health of your team.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
One of the most significant factors influencing driver health and well-being is diet, yet finding nutritious, affordable food on the road can often be difficult.
Carriers can make a considerable impact by promoting healthier eating habits. For example, at company terminals, try to replace sugary snacks and sodas with more nutritious options like fruits, nuts, and water, offering sustainable choices that keep drivers energized and focused.
Carriers can also provide valuable nutrition education, sharing simple, practical guides for preparing healthy meals in the cab with portable kitchen appliances. By equipping drivers with knowledge and tools to maintain better eating habits, even on tight schedules, you can significantly contribute to the long-term health and job satisfaction of your drivers.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Although drivers will always spend a majority of their time on the road sitting, there are many ways to encourage drivers to be more active.
Provide drivers with simple, no-equipment workout routines that drivers can do during breaks, such as stretches, bodyweight exercises, and the importance of short walks. Consider gifting drivers with special seat cushions or braces to better support their backs while they are behind the wheel.
Many carriers also offer incentives, such as rewards or recognition, for drivers who log regular exercise hours or step goals. Additionally, you can create friendly fitness challenges among drivers to increase physical activity and company morale.
Sleep and Rest
Sleep is essential for everyone, and it can be particularly challenging for truckers, especially OTR drivers or those with irregular schedules, to get enough rest each day. Sleep is also critical for safety, as driver fatigue is a leading factor in countless accidents each year.
Carriers can support better sleep habits by educating drivers on the importance of quality rest and ensuring they consistently take their FMCSA-mandated breaks. Offering flexible schedules or routes that reduce fatigue and allow for proper rest periods is another effective strategy. In addition, carriers can help drivers create a more comfortable sleeping environment in their cabs by providing tools like blackout curtains, noise-reducing measures, or ergonomic mattresses.
Mental Health and Stress Management
Although physical health is crucial for truck drivers, the importance of prioritizing mental health should not be overlooked. Drivers face stressful environments daily, including isolation from loved ones, strenuous labor, and long hours behind the wheel.
Consider partnering with mental health professionals, or telehealth services such as BetterHelp, to provide counseling services for drivers dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. Carriers can also encourage mindfulness practices, like meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling, to help drivers manage stress on the road.
Pet rider, mentor, and team driver programs have been proven to benefit drivers’ mental health and increase employee retention, while also encouraging drivers to be more active and social while on the road.
Health Screenings and Preventive Care
Carriers can also play a vital role in promoting health screenings and preventive care for drivers, which are essential for maintaining long-term health and productivity.
Consider partnering with healthcare providers to offer free or discounted health screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks. To make healthcare more accessible for busy drivers, carriers can also organize mobile health clinics that visit terminals.
Additionally, carriers should encourage preventive care by regularly providing drivers with information about the importance of routine doctor visits and vaccinations. Reminders about flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, or routine check-ups can help drivers stay on top of their health, preventing illnesses and reducing healthcare costs for both drivers and carriers.
At the end of the day, building a culture of wellness is all about providing the right tools and support for your drivers.
One great resource is Fit Drivers, a service dedicated to helping truck drivers live healthier lives on the road. Fit Drivers connects drivers with personalized fitness reward programs, lifestyle guidance tools, and CDL driver-centric content, all tailored to the unique challenges of life on the road. It is a simple and effective way for companies to empower their drivers to take control of their well-being.
For more ways to demonstrate your commitment to your team through driver-centric practices, check out the rest of our Employer Blog posts and connect with us on social media.
