One of the most prominent trends in the trucking industry right now centers on driver wellness. As the industry continues to grow and recruit new drivers, carriers across the country are making strides toward a better, healthier trucker culture. 

Here at Lily Transportation, our drivers are family, and we take care of our family. Here are some of the most crucial ways that our company prioritizes driver wellness:

Communication is Key

Employee wellness programs are built around trust and communication. You want your drivers to know how valuable they are, and one of the many ways to show them is to provide a variety of wellness programs. 

“While there is no single best way to design a workplace wellness program,” Heavy Duty Trucking says, “launching various driver-health oriented initiatives can help fleets cut the cost of healthcare as well as life and disability insurance, reduce turnover and boost recruitment.” 

One of the ways that Lily promotes driver wellness is via communication boards installed at the distribution centers our truck drivers pull into. These “boards” display weekly wellness tips and focus on topics like healthy eating, better hydration, quick-and-easy exercises, stress management, and more. 

Implementing healthy habits into the already busy truck driver schedule can seem daunting. But there are plenty of ways that drivers can sneak a healthy meal or even some quick exercises for truck drivers into their daily routine.

Build a Positive Trucker Culture

Culture is crucial to any company’s success. Building a positive culture in an industry involving so much travel might sound like a stretch, but it doesn’t have to be! “‘We find that when companies adopt wellness programs it becomes part of their culture,’” a truck driver professional said to Heavy Duty Trucking. “‘In addition to promoting healthy living and a longer driving career, wellness programs can definitely add to a company’s family atmosphere.’” 

Just because your drivers don’t spend much time in the office doesn’t mean you can’t support a positive, healthy trucker culture with them. At Lily, for example, as part of our employee wellness programs, we host regular Quarterly Wellness Challenges—supported by our healthcare provider, Blue Cross/Blue Shield. These challenges award drivers with “Safety Points” for driving safely and prioritizing wellness on the road. 

Anything a carrier can do, no matter how small, to support and encourage its drivers to stay healthy and safe on the road will pay off in the long run. “By implementing driver-oriented wellness programs,” TruckingInfo.com says, “fleets are likely to see accident rates drop, which lowers operating costs and liability exposure. And driver satisfaction goes up, which cuts turnover and attracts new hires.”

Driver Wellness is a Journey, Not a Destination

Promoting driver wellness isn’t one of the passing trends in the trucking industry. Instead, it’s a journey that carriers and their drivers should embark on together, striving toward new developments and improvements. 

Better driver health and wellness doesn’t happen overnight. When trucking wellness is built into the culture of a company—like it is at Lily—it’s only a matter of time before drivers and their carriers start to experience genuine progress and success.

A career in truck driving can provide you with a wealth of exciting benefits and opportunities, but the long hours behind the wheel can make finding ways to stay healthy a bit tricky. Thankfully, there are plenty of exercises for truck drivers that can improve health and wellness, promote productivity, and generally improve their life on the road. 

To help you stay healthy and energized, here are some of the best exercises for truck drivers that can make a world of difference in your quality of life: 

How to Emphasize Truck Driver Health and Wellness

With the trucking and logistics industry eager to hire new drivers, companies across the country are finding ways to promote truck driver health and wellness better. There are plenty of initiatives underway “to help truckers get in better shape, including truck stop gyms and in-cab workout systems.” And thanks to the flexibility of the truck driver schedule, it doesn’t have to be hard to set aside time each day to get a quick, but effective, workout in. 

If you have a smartphone, then you already have access to a quick and easy workout program. Siphiwe Baleka—a Yale grad, Ironman triathlete, swimming champion, former truck driver, and now a driver fitness coach—created the “Active Trucker” app for this purpose. With the app’s two-phase program, Baleka has made it easier than ever for truck drivers and their employers to prioritize health and wellness on the road. 

Trucking companies also benefit when their drivers are healthier,” Trucking Info says. “By implementing driver-oriented wellness programs, fleets are likely to see accident rates drop, which lowers operating costs and liability exposure. And driver satisfaction goes up, which cuts turnover and attracts new hires.” 

Invest in Some Truck Driver Exercise Equipment

When it comes to the exercise itself, drivers have plenty of options to choose from. If you don’t have any exercise equipment (more on that soon), then there are plenty of aerobic exercises you can do at truck stops across the country. Some truck stops have gyms on-site, but if they don’t, you can go for a jog around the grounds, do some stretches, or get some of your fellow drivers to play a game of basketball. 

However, it’s often worth it to invest in some truck driver exercise equipment. Things like dumbbells, jump ropes, or even a foldable bicycle can dramatically expand your exercise options and make your workouts more dynamic and fun. And since these tools are reasonably compact, you can easily keep them in the cab of your truck. 

For example, AllTrucking.com says that suspension cables can be one of the best pieces of truck driver exercise equipment you have. They say that “You can attach the suspension cables to the bottom of your rig or any stable surface. The main benefit of this exercise is its flexibility. You can get a full-body workout, train one part of your body and call it a day, or speed up the reps to break a sweat.”

Exercises for Truck Drivers Can Be Easy and Fun

Truck drivers play a vital role in our country. They carry the success of countless industries on their shoulders, and as such, we must emphasize truck driver health in as many ways as we can. Exercise doesn’t have to be a burden on the road. Instead, it’s an opportunity for physical activity that can dramatically revitalize a driver before and after they hit the road. 

The truck driving lifestyle is full of opportunity, adventure, and the freedom of the open road. However, with so many hours spent in the cab of a truck, the idea of “truck driver comfort” can start to feel like an elusive, unattainable ideal. 

Nobody loves sitting still for hours a day. But with the right trucker accessories and equipment, even OTR drivers who travel hundreds of miles a day can keep themselves comfortable for the long haul. To help you maximize comfort on the road, here are some of the things truckers need to promote a healthier, more productive lifestyle. 

The Best In-Cab Truck Accessories

Truck drivers spend most of their time inside the cab of their truck. Truck cabs operate as offices, bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms all at once. This means you’re going to want to invest some time in outfitting them with some in-cab truck accessories. Here are some of the trucker gadgets and amenities you should look into:  

• GPS: Truck drivers are often familiar with the best routes and shortcuts on the road, but that doesn’t mean they have every map memorized. Even the most experienced professionals will want a GPS to help them get where they’re going as timely and safely as possible.
• Coffeemaker: When you need to give yourself an extra boost of energy in the morning, a coffeemaker is a must-have. Not only are there options that plug into the cigarette lighter, but making your own coffee will also save you money in the long run. 
• Kitchen Appliances: There are plenty of portable stoves, microwaves, mini-fridges, crockpots, and other appliances that can be easily stored in the cab of your truck. These will help you stick to a healthier, and tastier, meal plan while also saving you money. 
• Portable Charger(s): Keeping your devices at full-battery can be challenging on the road. With a limited number of outlets—and a growing number of cords in need of power—a portable charging box or power station can be a godsend. A 12-volt charger outlet is your best bet, as these not only come with a built-in fuse but can also charge several devices at once with ease. 
• Windshield Mount for Your Phone: You should never be on your phone while driving, but if your phone also operates as your GPS, then you’re going to want it to be visible. There are many windshield mounts for cell phones you can choose from, so take some time to find one that is durable and easily adjustable.

Promote Productivity with the Right Trucker Equipment 

“On top of necessary items like spare clothing or sunglasses,” Trucks.com says, “additional tech equipment is vital for improving comfort and assuring driver safety.” While ensuring comfort in the cab is one thing, ensuring comfort by prioritizing a well-maintained truck is just as, if not more so, important. 

Before you hit the road, consider investing in trucker accessories like a pre-trip inspection tool. According to National Retail Systems, “This gadget will allow drivers to perform their own inspection and assessment of tire depth, brake stroke, brake shoe thickness and windshield damage.” Not only will this handy tool let you “know when to bring the truck in for service and repairs,” but it can also easily fit on your keychain! 

Some other helpful pieces of trucker equipment to keep handy include:

• High-quality working/driving gloves
• Multiple sets of clothes for different environments
• Reflective safety vests
• Backup pair(s) of sunglasses
• Toolkit
• Flashlight—this one is especially important

Maximize Truck Driver Comfort

Staying comfortable while on the road is one of the most crucial, yet sadly overlooked, parts of the truck driver’s life. If you’re considering a trucking career, then be sure you equip yourself with some trucker accessories that will help your time on the road be as productive and comfortable as possible. 

These trucker accessories might include earplugs for sleeping, exercise apps to help you workout, an electric blanket to stay warm overnight, or some seat pillows or cushions. Anything to make your truck feel more comfortable will go a long way toward improving your experience on the road, so get creative!    

Here at Lily Transportation, for example, we make sure that all of our drivers are provided with brand new and late model trucks continuously maintained for safety, efficiency, and comfort. We believe our people are our greatest asset, which is why we do everything we can to equip our drivers with the very best equipment.

The truck driving life is a distinct, one-of-a-kind thing. It’s equal parts freedom, time management, excitement, and patience. It’s unlike any other career out there, as a day in the life of a truck driver is one of the most predictably unpredictable things you’re likely to encounter. 

If you’re interested in learning how to become a truck driver yourself, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are just a few (of the many) things that make the truck driving life the unique adventure it is. 

Requirements to Become a Truck Driver

A trucking career is accessible to just about anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). And thankfully, earning your CDL is a straightforward process that can be started by picking up a CDL manual from your nearby DMV. This manual will walk you through the requirements to become a truck driver and help you prepare for the written and skills-based tests you’ll need to take. 

The requirements to apply for a CDL are also straightforward:

• You must be 21 years old (although some states allow 18-20-year-olds to apply for a single-state CDL)
• Your driving record from the last ten years in all of the 50 states (and the District of Columbia) will be inspected
• You’ll need to provide evidence that you’re medically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle
• You must have your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for two weeks before taking the skills test that will qualify you for an official CDL.
• After passing the three-part skills test, and the proper documentation has been submitted, you’ll be awarded your CDL.

These requirements can differ from state-to-state (although they tend to be reasonably consistent), so always check with your local DMV about what the requirements to become a truck driver are for your state.

A Day in the Life of a Truck Driver

If you’ve ever wondered what a day in the life of a truck driver looks like, you’re not alone. Truck driving is one of the most essential careers in the country, and much of our livelihood hinges on the professionalism, experience, and skillsets of truck drivers. 

Trucking.com says it like this: “The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. Nearly 71% of all the freight tonnage moved in the U.S. goes on trucks. Without the industry and our truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill.” 

It’s reasons like this that truck drivers are such a sought after commodity across the country. But that doesn’t mean the truck driving life is always an easy one. When you spend the majority of your day on the open road, you need to be alert, energized, and committed to the task at hand no matter what unpredictable situations come your way. 

This is why curating a healthy truck driving lifestyle is so crucial. Without the right kinds of meals, exercise, comfort, and sleep habits, the truck driving life can become a difficult one. Instead of succumbing to the temptations of fast, greasy food (that will cause you to crash), follow TruckStop.com’s advice and “Start your healthier food journey by finding out which meal options are ideal at truck stops.” 

The truck driving life also involves a personalized truck driver schedule. Every driver is different, and it’s up to each driver to build a schedule that works for them. Since “Federal regulations prohibit truckers from driving for more than 11 hours in a 14-hour window,” and even minor “disruptions can cause a ripple effect” that could throw off your schedule, drivers need to be flexible. A truck driving schedule is crucial, but so is being comfortable with it changing. 

Experience the Open Road

The truck driving life is unlike any other. Not only are truck driver salaries competitive, and can even involve scholarship programs for applicants in need of CDL-certification, they’re also incredibly rewarding. If you want to learn more about what the open road looks like for a truck driver, then get in touch with Lily Transportation today! 

We’re always looking for new and excited drivers, and would love to talk to you about the wealth of benefits and opportunities we provide our drivers with! 

Truck drivers are the backbone of our country’s economic system. Without them, consumers wouldn’t have access to the items they need, and corporations would be unable to provide their customers with the right products at the right time. However, as crucial as the trucker lifestyle is, far too often, truck driver health is overlooked. Lily Transportation is working to change that. 

Promoting health and wellness in our drivers is one of the many things we strive toward. Our drivers aren’t just the core of who we are as a company; they’re our family as well. Here are four of the ways that Lily Transportation promotes and prioritizes the health of its truck drivers:

Promoting Trucker Health From the Very Beginning

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires each truck driver to take a physical as part of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) qualification (and then again every two years). Here at Lily Transportation, we want our drivers to be as healthy as they can be. Whenever we take on a new driver—even if they’re already CDL-certified—we have them take an additional DOT physical to ensure they’re ready for the open road from the very beginning of their time with Lily. 

These DOT physicals cover a wide variety of issues—the full list can be found on the Medical Examination Report Form provided by the (FMSCA). Ultimately, though, they ensure that each driver can perform as well as they possibly can on the open road. 

Benefits that Promote Healthy Living

As a member of the Lily team, you’ll not only be part of the country’s top dedicated carriers, you’ll also be a part of the family. We want to help you stay as healthy and productive as possible, which is why we offer our drivers a wealth of benefits to keep them in tip-top shape. Some of these benefits include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical and Dental Insurance
• Paid Holiday and Vacation Time
• Matching 401K
• Safety Bonuses
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Cell Phone Allowance
• 24 Hours Dispatch

Our employees also have special access to ahealthyme.com, which provides drivers with a variety of resources and self-paced wellness programs to help them live their best lives.

Truck Driver Health and Safety Programs

Safety is, and always will be, our top priority as a company. Not only do we equip our drivers with the highest quality equipment, but we also provide a comprehensive Driver Safety Program to keep their skills and expertise up-to-date. Our program covers safe operating practices as well as a curated selection of onboard safety equipment in each of our vehicles. 

Programs like this not only ensure that we prioritize truck driver safety, but also helps to guarantee the continued trust and safety of our drivers, clients, and community.

Leading by Example

Promoting truck driver health is a fundamental part of our mission at Lily Transportation. We’re committed to equipping our drivers with the tools they need to live healthy, well-rounded lives both on-and-off the road. Our commitment goes all the way to the top of the company as well, as our Executive Team who are firm believes in eating clean, promoting health and wellness, and exercising whenever possible. 

There are countless ways to promote better truck driver health, and Lily Transportation is proud to contribute to the betterment of its drivers in any way it can. To learn more about career options at Lily, please give us a call at 800-248-LILY (5459) or visit our website lily.com/jobs. We can’t wait to hear from you!