As an active stakeholder in the trucking industry for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of neglecting truck driver health. I was an employer of thousands of CDL drivers for 15 years, recognizing early the critical importance of prioritizing their health.
But it wasn’t enough to simply offer affordable healthcare, or to provide a job with a positive work culture and adequate time off. I continued to see drivers age prematurely, gain excessive weight, and struggle with their DOT physicals. I also realized that this wasn’t an isolated issue - it was a widespread epidemic affecting the entire industry.
The most sobering statistic I’ve encountered is that the average life expectancy of a CDL driver is just 61 years old. That’s 16 years shorter than the average for the general American population. This fact drove home the urgency of addressing the health crisis within the industry, and it became the foundation for PROJECT 61.
A Tough Job
Driving a truck professionally is one of the most demanding, under-appreciated jobs in America. It’s already difficult enough to operate a commercial vehicle in such a highly regulated environment, but when you factor in the long hours, limited access to healthy food, and inconsistent sleep, the challenges only multiply.
This is the reality for CDL drivers. These obstacles directly impact their health - leading to obesity, sleep disorders, and other preventable conditions. While the work environment may not change soon, we can raise awareness of the health risks drivers face and educate stakeholders on supporting their health despite these challenges. Everyone involved - from trucking companies to insurance providers to industry leaders - has a role to play in creating a better, healthier environment for CDL drivers.
Just as we take steps to maintain trucks, we must apply the same mindset to our drivers - the heart of the industry.
Preventative Maintenance for Drivers
In trucking, we’re all familiar with preventative maintenance for our equipment. Proper maintenance of trucks and trailers helps to maximize their efficiency and longevity, reducing the risk of costly downtime. Yet, we don’t apply the same logic to those who are behind the wheel of those trucks.
Investing in the health of drivers maximizes their efficiency and minimizes the risk of health-related issues that could impact their performance. A healthy driver is a safer driver. By prioritizing driver wellness, we ensure they can work safely, consistently, and with less downtime. In an industry as regulated as trucking, safety is paramount. A driver who is physically healthy and well-rested is far less likely to be involved in an accident or suffer a health issue on the road.
The financial benefits are clear as well: reducing health-related expenses such as workers’ comp claims, insurance premiums, and absenteeism is just as important as maintaining our trucks. At the same time, it’s the right thing to do on a human level. Even if the business benefits are a motivating factor, the end result is a healthier, happier individual - someone who is not only more productive at work but is also better able to enjoy life outside of work, especially with their loved ones.
The Birth of PROJECT 61
This is where PROJECT 61 comes in. With over 20 years in the trucking industry, I’ve built a reputation for identifying problems and working to make the industry better, more efficient, and more sustainable. Whether it was through recruiting, hiring, and retaining drivers, or developing software to streamline the hiring process, I’ve consistently sought ways to improve the trucking community and its operations.
The health crisis facing CDL drivers became the most significant challenge I’ve encountered. When I learned that the average life expectancy of a CDL driver is just 61 years old - a number that is shockingly low - it became clear that something needed to be done. Too many drivers are suffering from preventable health issues, and it’s time to address this epidemic head-on.
As someone who has seen this crisis unfold firsthand, I knew it was time to take action. This isn’t just about industry efficiency; it’s about saving lives. That’s why I founded PROJECT 61 - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and well-being of CDL drivers and creating lasting change for the trucking industry.
A Call to Action
While PROJECT 61 is about creating awareness and providing resources, it’s also about action. We can raise awareness, offer solutions, and provide support - but at the end of the day, it’s up to the drivers themselves to take action. We can’t force drivers to change their behavior, but we can create an environment that supports and empowers them to make healthier choices.
Every trucking company has lost drivers in the past year - often while on the job. Whether it’s while driving or even when parked, this is a tragic reality. Drivers are dying on the job, and in no other industry is that an accepted norm. The continued loss of life underscores the urgency of addressing the health of our drivers, which is why PROJECT 61 is committed to offering solutions. The recent acquisition of Offshift is a key part of this effort.
By bringing Offshift under the PROJECT 61 umbrella, we’re enhancing our ability to provide truck drivers with the tools they need to prioritize their health. Offshift’s free mobile app, which focuses on daily fitness and nutrition challenges, is designed to foster a sense of community among drivers. It’s not just about offering resources; it’s about creating a network where drivers can connect, share experiences, and encourage one another.
In addition to fostering community support and engagement, the app includes regular monthly challenges that drivers can participate in as part of their company or group within the app. These challenges encourage friendly competition and help keep drivers motivated to stay on track with their health goals. It’s about more than just personal achievement - it’s about building a collective effort where drivers cheer each other on, celebrate successes, and hold one another accountable, all while strengthening the sense of community within their company or group.
The app also offers a wealth of content focused on key areas of health and wellness, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health, helping drivers take a holistic approach to their well-being.
Building this community around health and wellness is critical. The challenges and support that drivers experience through the app can help create a culture where health is prioritized and supported across the trucking ecosystem. With Offshift’s platform as a key tool, we’re taking a significant step in making this vision a reality.
Get Involved: Sign the Trucker Health Pledge
Together, we can change the trajectory of CDL driver health, and by doing so, improve the entire trucking industry. Because when drivers are healthier, everyone benefits - from trucking companies to the families who depend on them.
We need your support to make this vision a reality. Consider signing the Trucker Health Pledge today to commit to improving the health and well-being of our nation's drivers. Additionally, we invite you to join us as a Corporate Partner or Individual Donor to help support PROJECT 61 in its mission to create lasting change for CDL drivers. Together, we can make a difference and build a healthier future for those who keep our economy moving.