The trucking industry faces a severe health crisis, highlighted by Dr. Mark Manera, President and Chief Health Officer of the nonprofit Project 61, during the Trimble Insight Conference in New Orleans. The organization takes its name from the average life expectancy of a professional truck driver, which is a shocking 61 years, 16 years less than the general population.
Dr. Manera, a physical therapist by background, outlined the alarming statistics:
This situation stems from a "vicious cycle" driven by lifestyle factors: drivers are sedentary for 11–14 hours daily, their food options are often limited to fast food or truck stops, and the job is inherently stressful, leading to poor sleep. This pattern contributes to high rates of lifestyle-based chronic diseases.
Project 61's mission is to offer completely free, driver-specific health programs to fleets, helping millions of drivers live healthier lives. These programs focus on providing environment-specific solutions, such as exercise routines drivers can perform in the back of their trucks and guides for finding healthier food options at truck stops. They also implement engagement strategies like competitive challenges, such as 61-day step challenges, to make health improvements fun and part of the company culture.
For the future of the profession, Dr. Manera emphasizes the need for a cultural shift to attract younger generations who prioritize physical and mental wellness. Project 61 is working with organizations like NextGen in Trucking to build and integrate curriculum into CDL schools and community colleges, ensuring new drivers learn healthy habits from day one.
Dr. Manera advises fleet leaders that while a driver’s health is a personal decision, leaders have the power to "create the environment at your company that allows it to be easier for your drivers to take the leap and make that change".