SAN DIEGO — Mesilla Valley Transportation driver William Velazquez knew he wanted to make a change when he found himself tiring easily while playing with his children. His life as a truck driver keeps him sedentary for long periods of time, so he knew getting healthier would be a challenge. But his company offered a program to help.
October 23, 2022driver health and wellness
Business, Safety 
Mesilla Valley Transportation driver William Velazquez by Anneliese Mahoney/Transport Topics
Shift in Eating Habits, Exercise and Attitude Pays Off for Overweight Driver
Mesilla Valley Transportation driver William Velazquez by Anneliese Mahoney/Transport Topics Business 
Recruit a “New” Segment of Drivers to Take on the Driver Shortage
The trucking industry is standing at a crossroads. Between the driver shortage and the challenges in recruitment and retention, this guide gets to the heart of the problem. You’ll learn shocking statistics around driver health, how it’s feeding the driver shortage, and a new pool of drivers to recruit from.
March 1, 2022 Government, Business, Technology, Safety 
The IG audit said that a seven-month registry outage, which began in December 2017, resulted in driver examination reports not being entered, creating “data-quality issues, including missing records." (Portra/Getty Images)
Audit Finds Flaws in FMCSA Monitoring of Drivers’ Medical Qualifications
The IG audit said that a seven-month registry outage, which began in December 2017, resulted in driver examination reports not being entered, creating “data-quality issues, including missing records." (Portra/Getty Images)An Inspector General audit has found weaknesses in regulators’ monitoring of medical examiner qualifications and ensuring that truck drivers meet physical qualification standards to safely operate commercial vehicles.
January 21, 2021 Government, Business, Safety, Logistics 
As many as 40 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccination could be administered by the end of the year, according to a committee within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Geber86/Getty Images)
Truck Drivers Could Be Among Earliest to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
As many as 40 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccination could be administered by the end of the year, according to a committee within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Geber86/Getty Images)Truck drivers and other workers in critical and essential jobs could be among the earliest people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.
November 30, 2020 Government, Business, Safety, Logistics 
As adults get older, access to transportation can get more difficult, said Renee Autumn Ray, strategy and innovation leader at Conduent Transportation. (SolStock/Getty Images)
Planning Expert Emphasizes Health Considerations in Public Policy
As adults get older, access to transportation can get more difficult, said Renee Autumn Ray, strategy and innovation leader at Conduent Transportation. (SolStock/Getty Images)Public agencies at all levels of government, including the ones related to transportation, should incorporate health considerations into policy decisions, a planning expert said.
August 12, 2020 Business, Technology, Safety 
Long-haul truck drivers spend weeks at a time on the road, and technology is a critical tool keeping them in touch. (bernardbodo/Getty Images)
Drivers Use Apps, Social Media to Stay Connected With Family, Friends
Long-haul truck drivers spend weeks at a time on the road, and technology is a critical tool keeping them in touch. (bernardbodo/Getty Images)Truck drivers use modern mobile technology to stay connected with friends and family, which is especially important for longhaul truck drivers, who sometimes spend weeks at a time on the road.
June 22, 2020 Business, Safety 
More than 17 million American adults experience depression, and truckers are about twice as likely to experience it, according to Kirleen Neely, psychotherapist and CEO at San Antonio-based Logistics Mental Health. (Getty Images)
Fleets Can Support Drivers’ Mental Health Through Awareness, Communication
More than 17 million American adults experience depression, and truckers are about twice as likely to experience it, according to Kirleen Neely, psychotherapist and CEO at San Antonio-based Logistics Mental Health. (Getty Images)Truck drivers sometimes bear the image of being “tough” and impervious to emotional stresses, a perception that doesn’t always lend itself to open discussions about mental health. But truckers and their employers are working to change that image.
March 13, 2020 Business, Technology, Safety 
Health and fitness coach Siphiwe Baleka works through the 4 Minute Fit technique with a client. His company, Fitness Trucking, offers driver health and fitness programs, the most popular being the 13 Week Program. (Courtesy of Siphiwe Baleka)
Options Abound for Elevating Drivers’ Health and Wellness
Health and fitness coach Siphiwe Baleka works through the 4 Minute Fit technique with a client. His company, Fitness Trucking, offers driver health and fitness programs, the most popular being the 13 Week Program. (Courtesy of Siphiwe Baleka)There is a wellness movement on the rise aimed at improving the health of truckers, though the challenge remains to educate and motivate.
November 15, 2019 Government, Business, Safety 
Bob Perry speaks about health concerns. (Eleanor Lamb/Transport Topics)
Driver Health Hinges on Accessibility, Panelists Say
Bob Perry speaks about health concerns. (Eleanor Lamb/Transport Topics)DALLAS — Improving accessibility — to medical care, good food options, proper facilities and useful information — can help drivers address many of the health issues that affect them, according to wellness experts.
October 2, 2019 Business, Safety
Less Pain, More Gain: How Safety Culture Drives Operational Efficiency
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) are the most common injuries among transportation, shipping and logistics workers, costing U.S. companies $31 billion annually according to the 2019 Liberty Mutual Safety Index. This session will explore proven techniques for preventing strains, sprains, back injuries and other MSD’s, forging a culture that reduces costs while driving operational efficiency.
August 15, 2019