Trucker Health: What Trucking Companies Are Doing
Categories: Trucker Health
We've been talking about health issues that affect truckers recently. Escalating health insurance costs, increasing workers compensation claims and driver shortages are motivating trucking companies to address the health problems of their drivers.
Wellness programs are springing up across the country. Trucking companies are providing free health screenings, weight-loss programs, exercise coaches and onsite nurses -- all geared to improve the health (and performance) of their drivers.
Here's a rundown on the positive steps some trucking companies are taking to help drivers live a healthier lifestyle.
-
Celadon Group, Inc. takes a pro-active attitude about health. They've stationed nurses at their Indianapolis, IN center and doctors are always on call. Their 3,200 drivers are encouraged to get regular blood pressure and cholesterol check ups. Celadon pays all expenses and says their wellness measures have decreased the firm's annual health care costs by $10 million.
-
Melton Truck Lines out of Tulsa, OK hired a wellness coordinator and offers an individualized 12-week weight-loss program. They've even stocked their HQ vending machines with green tea, diet soda and water.
-
Con-way Freight in Ann Arbor, MI initiated a wellness program at its Los Angeles hub two years ago. As a result, annual workers' comp claims have dropped by 80% and lost work days by 75%. The program is now available at all Con-way hubs.
-
Schneider National Inc. based in Green Bay, WI screened its entire force of 10,000 to 15,000 drivers for sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep and can leave sufferers groggy and tired. The 10% of their drivers found to have the condition were provided with free special air masks to help them sleep.
Next time: What you can do to live a healthier life.
Comments
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing you on behalf of a lot of truckers and there spouses of OTR drivers, on the new Pet Policy. I am the wife of one of your drivers, OTR. I employ you to reconsider this action; here are some of the reasons;
1. Protection; for female or solo drivers, (rape, etc…), and theft of equipment and driver personal effects, /get out and look if not sure, when parking, this leaves the driver vulnerable and vehicle\, (Even Ins. won’t pay for two years after, on a stolen vehicle) and (Money lost on load, and future miles for that truck and driver), (time lost filing reports), (money lost getting another truck to driver or visa versa), a torn seat cover or seat belt is cheaper. (There is-reasonable pet deposit) The cost to train a new driver is more expensive than letting them protect them selves with a pet. Do you want them to carry guns or weapons??
2. Health; makes driver walk pet (weight control), Reduces stress (road rage), and Lowers blood pressure (heart attacks and anxiety) etc…. This saves money on medical expenses for you and the driver.
3. Companion when there are not able to talk to anyone else, (family or friends), or for some reason have no two legged children or a spouse. Like people with a child, we love our child, too. Just because they are animals does not make them not needed for sanity on the road of chaos.
If hiring good drivers are a company priority then you might think if they can care and keep an animal alive and well then your company is alive and well.
There is one shipper and receiver that makes you leave your spouse outside gate (in the weather) are you going to stop letting spouses and two legged kids go along also? Shippers and receivers are pushing this animal thing to far.
We all understand money is so tight, with fuel costs and hirer prices on Ins., repairs, employees, etc….. This is why we can not buy our own truck in this day and age. But when things are hard you don’t take away one of the reasons to work and work for you. I have the understanding that Crete is doing this because many drivers won’t do the load or can’t find a place to leave the animal or wife in some cases. You the carrier need to be the one to start-to stop this before it takes the spouses out of the truck.
My husband and I (wife not driver) really like being a part of the Crete family. We like and believe in what your doing (no debt), (working equipment), etc…… But I now have to stay home till my pet passes away. (Could be years) I wanted to train a new dog for the truck while my other one is still alive, (training is easier). I have always had a pet for all the reasons I mentioned. I need them in my life like I need my husband, and want to be with him.
I know people are quitting or DUMPING the pets on someone that will not LOVE them like the owner. This would not be happening if money wasn’t at the bottom of this problem, but is it really worth hurting people and living things? Are you really saving that much money?
Sincerely,
Sad and Lonely for my Hubby
Posted by
Cherie
on August 1, 2008 at 12:04 PM
You make good points Cherie, good luck to you.
Posted by
TruckerJim
on August 1, 2008 at 1:05 PM
