Q&A: Free wellness program helps drivers live longer

What are some of the most common health issues among the truck driving population?

The trucking population is at risk for many of the same chronic health conditions we see in the general population, but we often see them at higher rates because of the unique challenges that come with the profession. Long hours, limited healthy food and exercise options, irregular sleep and the difficulty of getting to routine medical appointments can all make it harder for drivers to prioritize their health.

An added challenge is that delayed medical care can make those conditions more difficult to manage. For example, diabetes is more common among professional drivers, and when it isn't well managed, it can increase the risk of serious complications like kidney disease, diabetic ulcers and amputations. We see similar concerns with conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity and mental health challenges.

The good news is that many of these risks are manageable. Small, consistent steps around nutrition, movement, sleep, preventive care and mental well-being can make a real difference over time.

What responsibility do you believe trucking executives bear for helping their drivers improve their health?

Trucking executives have a real opportunity to create an environment where prioritizing health is supported and encouraged. Ultimately, drivers are responsible for their own health decisions, but company leadership can make a meaningful difference by ensuring drivers have access to resources like Employee Assistance Programs, understand the wellness benefits available to them, and have access to education and support designed specifically for the realities of professional driving.

The challenges of trucking aren't going to disappear, but companies can help make healthy choices more accessible and give drivers the tools, knowledge and encouragement to be proactive about their health. When drivers see meaningful support, they're more likely to feel empowered to take ownership of their health.

Is there a way to encourage better nutrition and physical activity without invading a driver's personal privacy?

Absolutely! Encouraging healthier habits doesn't have to mean monitoring a driver's every meal or counting every step. There is a big difference between providing tools and encouragement and trying to monitor someone's personal health choices.

Project 61 offers a free app designed to put those tools directly in the driver's hands. It provides simple, meaningful ways to track healthy habits, recognize patterns and build consistency over time. The goal isn't to judge or monitor drivers, but rather to give them the information and encouragement they need to make changes that fit the trucking lifestyle.

What’s the biggest misconception small fleet owners have about implementing corporate wellness programs?

Some of the biggest misconceptions are that a wellness program has to be expensive, time-consuming or complicated to be effective. Small fleet owners are required to wear many hats with a finite amount of time and may assume that implementing a wellness program means adding another major responsibility to an already busy operation.

As a nonprofit, Project 61’s goal is to improve the health and life expectancy of professional drivers without creating another financial barrier. We want to make it easy for even the smallest carrier to give their drivers access to meaningful health and wellness resources, without adding another complicated program to their plate.

What's one step small motor carriers—with limited budgets, resources and time—can take to help their drivers live healthier lives?

All it takes is one passionate person with a little bit of time to make a difference. For a small motor carrier, we provide a simple first step: become a Project 61 Certified Fleet.

Once you register, Project 61 takes the time to learn more about your company, your drivers and what will work best for your team. We provide the resources and materials you need to introduce Project 61 to your drivers and staff, and then work with you to plan a launch that fits your schedule and your operation. And there’s no cost for the fleet to participate.

How does a healthier driver population in turn benefit a trucking carrier's business or the industry as a whole?

Healthier drivers are the foundation of a healthy fleet. When carriers support the health and well-being of their drivers, they can help reduce preventable injuries and workers' compensation costs, improve safety, reduce turnover and support a healthier, more productive workforce.

But the benefits go beyond the bottom line. Drivers who believe that their company genuinely cares about their well-being are more likely to feel valued and supported, which can improve morale and retention. And in an industry where recruiting and retaining good drivers is such a challenge, making health and wellness part of your company culture can be a real competitive advantage.