A Healthy Trend in Trucking

As younger generations of truck drivers enter the industry, the stereotypical tucker is becoming a thing of the past. A trucking career is generally seen as mostly sedentary. Truckers are behind the wheel all day, stopping nightly at truck stops and eating a greasy dinner before starting the routine over again the next day. However, this unhealthy lifestyle is having a negative impact on the industry.

In a study currently underway by multiple universities including the University of Utah, Harvard, and Virginia Tech, it was discovered that over half the drivers in the industry are technically obese, while another quarter were overweight. The data also showed that in general, long haul truck drivers have a higher body mass index (BMI) with an increased number of diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The purpose of the study is to determine whether the unhealthy lifestyle of a truck driver can cause accidents.

Despite these numbers, there is an increasing number of drivers who are trying to stay healthy while on the road. CR England truck driver Jose Gomez claims his road to a healthy lifestyle comes from making the right choices every day. "I don't stop at truck stops to eat,” Gomez said. "I actually go to a grocery store, buy my groceries and make sandwiches, salads or other healthy stuff. I want something that won't put on weight."

Jose Gomes also straps his bicycle on the back of his cab when he is on the road. When he stops for the night, he takes his bike out for a ride, making sure he is getting his daily exercise.

While this healthy trend seems to be increasing with the new generation of truckers, there are those out there who have been doing it for years. CR England Driver Charles McFall claims that fatigue never bothers him because of his movement throughout the day. “When I get tired, I’ll take a break and walk around, exercise a little then get back in my truck and drive.” Charles has been driving for CR England for 31 years and recently celebrated 4 million safe miles.

Healthy living on the road has many benefits. It can help you have the energy you need for long drives, it can put you in a better mood and is can help you live longer. It is true that staying healthy on the road is difficult, but it is not impossible. It’s never too late to live a better life. Make the stereotypical truck driver a thing of the past and join the trend of healthy truckers!

To learn more about trucking and how to start your career, visit www.crengland.com.