Lions Recruit

Freight transport in the U.S.
Freight ShipmentDid you know that over 72 percent of annual freight transports in the U.S. are due to truckers? In 2019 alone, freights hauled 11.84 billion tons of goods (ATA). This was roughly a 3 percent increase from 2018. You’re welcome, America.

Landing on the moon
There are close to 16 million active trucks in the United States with over 3.5 million truckers behind the wheels. This means that if you could pile up the vehicles, they would reach the moon.

How to Stay Healthy as a Truck Driver on the Road

Make healthier food choices:

Eating healthy on the road can be tough, but it’s more feasible than you may realize. Instead of heading straight for the nearest fast food joint or the prepackaged junk food aisle, try to choose foods for their nutritional value. Most truck stops have packaged items like protein bars, almonds or dried fruit, and many also have selections of fruit, yoghurt or smoothies. No matter your profession, it’s always recommended to eat a healthy breakfast to get your energy levels up, and prioritizing frequent, nutritional snacks throughout the day as opposed to heavy, greasy meals may help you feel more alert behind the wheel. If your truck has a refrigerator, you can even stock up on healthy, high-protein foods from home to keep you fueled throughout the drive.

Drink more water:

The ideal water intake should be individualized, according to Harvard Health, but generally healthy people should aim for four to six glasses throughout the day. Frankly, that can be easy to forget, especially if you resort to chugging coffee or other caffeinated beverages to stay alert behind the wheel. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help to normalize blood pressure, stabilize your heartbeat, protect your organs and tissues, and aid digestion, among many other benefits, so tracking your hydration can be a critical step in maintaining a healthier lifestyle on the road.

Prioritize exercise on your breaks:

According to the CDC, truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese compared to other U.S. workers, and three of four truck drivers report not getting the recommended amount of physical activity — which is 30 minutes a day, five days a week. The benefits of exercise are endless but include weight control, the prevention of many health conditions and diseases, improved sleep, and more energy.

Pay attention to your sleep habits:

The National Sleep Foundation advises that healthy adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and this is just as applicable to truck drivers as it is to anyone else. First and foremost, you’ll want to find a quiet and safe place to park, and it can be helpful to follow a nighttime routine. Whatever helps you to destress at the end of a long day, try to be intentional about doing this prior to going to bed. Make yourself comfy, use ear plugs if you are frequently awoken by noise from other trucks and get intentional about your sleep.