Push for healthier truckers picks up speed
DALLAS— In the months after Doug Robinson started driving a truck, he noticed his clothes were getting more snug. He was already overweight, but soon realized that spending up to 11 hours behind the wheel, frequently eating fast food and not exercising was a poor combination.
When his employer, U. S. Xpress, took part in a weight- loss challenge sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, the 321- pound, 6- foot- 1inch Robinson signed up.
So far, the 30- year- old from Philadelphia has lost about 40 pounds.
Momentum has picked up in recent years to help big- rig drivers get into shape, but there are obstacles. In addition to being seated for many hours at a time, drivers tend to eat at truck stops that historically have not been known for wholesome food or workout equipment.
That’s something truck stop chains have been trying to change.
TravelCenters of America two years began placing small, free gyms in its truck stops, offering healthier eating options, mapping walking routes near truck stops and building basketball courts in some locations.
BruceMoss, a vice president at Con- way Freight, said their wellness program reduces the number of people who call in sick, lowers workplace injuries and controls health care costs. The program gives truckers access to wellness coaches and teaches them to stretch before starting a shift.
Last year, more than 11,500 of Con- way Freight’s 21,000 employees— the majority of them drivers— consulted with wellness coaches.
Besides taking part in the Carriers Association’s spring weight- loss challenge, U. S. Xpress rewards healthy behaviors with cash, holds health fairs and has installed blood pressure machines in their main terminals.
“All you can do is put the options out there, educate your people and show them the benefit of what happens if you take these steps,” U. S. Xpress spokesman Greg Thompson said.