I would argue that all of these photos correlate with each other.
The deregulation of the trucking industry in the United States, culminating with the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, reshaped life for the truck driver. This shift brought about changes that, while increasing efficiency and competition, also had killer effects on driver health, contributing to rising obesity rates and various related issues. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been back on the road, experiencing firsthand the challenges that today’s drivers face. The experience has been eye-opening, not just for the high cost of living on the road but also for the health implications that come with it.
A frequent conversation starter is my bracelet that states "Project 61," which was given to me by Jeremy Reymer in the hopes of keeping this topic front and center. Jeremy named this project after the 61-year-old life expectancy of truck drivers. Hopefully, it maintains and increases in traction.
Convenience Foods and Rising Costs
One of the most immediate issues I’ve encountered is the cost of convenience foods. As a driver, your options are often limited to what you can grab quickly from truck stops and fast-food chains. Unfortunately, these convenience foods are not just unhealthy but increasingly expensive. A simple meal that once cost $5 can now easily set you back $10 or more. These costs add up quickly for drivers on the road for weeks, eating into already tight budgets.
Consider this: a typical day might involve grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee, a fast-food burger and fries for lunch, and maybe a microwavable meal from the truck stop for dinner. Each of these meals is loaded with processed carbs, sugars, and unhealthy fats, which contribute to weight gain and other health issues. Despite knowing this, the convenience and necessity of eating on the go often outweigh healthier, more time-consuming options.
Health Implications
The health issues are severe. The sedentary life of driving, combined with a diet high in processed foods, leads to obesity and related health problems like diabetes and heart disease. The constant stress and pressure to meet tight delivery schedules further exacerbate these issues, leading to higher cortisol levels, which can cause weight gain, particularly the notorious trucker gut.
I’ve seen drivers resort to using stimulants like energy drinks and Zyn to stay awake. These quick fixes may help keep you alert temporarily, but they take a toll on your body, leading to chronic fatigue and poor overall health.
The Mental and Emotional Toll
There’s also a significant mental and emotional toll for some, The isolation of being on the road for extended periods can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. I personally love this aspect of trucking. In some cases, this has led drivers to contemplate or even attempt suicide. The photo of a driver being talked down from an overpass is a stark reminder of the mental health crisis in our industry.
A Personal Connection
Thinking of my grandfather, a farmer from the 1930s to the 1990s, I see a parallel with today’s truck drivers. He ignored health warnings about chemicals and his demanding work schedule because he focused on survival and ensuring his family’s survival. What he had to do to survive and the tough life he lived emphasized his lack of care for himself and prioritized the survival of his farm and his family. He would die eaten up with cancer in 1990. Many truck drivers operate with the same survival mentality, especially those licensed before 2005. Their primary concern is making money to support their families, often at the expense of their health.
Their food choices are only important for eating, not for long-term survival. It's a short game, grab-and-go; who cares what it is, who cares what it'll do to me? I just need to get back on the road.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. First, there needs to be a greater emphasis on providing healthier food options at truck stops and making these options affordable. Trucking companies should also prioritize driver health, offering incentives for healthier lifestyles and providing resources for mental health support.
Secondly, there needs to be better education on nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. Many drivers are unaware of the long-term effects of their food choices and need guidance on making healthier decisions.
Physicians. A large percentage of drivers do not have a primary care doctor. They live from one med cert exam to the next and one examiner to the next. This means the doctor or examiner, often certifying the driver for the road, may have never seen the driver before and may never see him again. The examiner has no intimate knowledge of the driver's health issues outside what the driver lists on his long form. We have examiners based on gas stations. It's become that mundane.
Lastly, policy changes are needed to reduce the pressures on drivers. This includes more predictable schedules and better compensation that reflects the rising cost of living. I think Offshift does a great job on this end.
