Author: Jaimie Williams
How to kickstart a driver wellness program
Truck drivers lead a unique lifestyle and the challenges they face, including enduring long hours on the road and suffering from the physical and mental tolls of their job. Therefore, taking care of your truck driver’s health and well-being is not only significant for their performance but also essential for the overall success of your business.
If one of your business goals is to prioritize your driver’s health, initiating a driver wellness program can be an excellent investment to ensure your workforce’s health and well-being.
In this article, we explore practical and vital steps to help your business kickstart a driver wellness program, fostering a culture of job satisfaction, health, safety and productivity.
1. Understand the needs of your drivers
To start, you need to hear feedback and suggestions straight from the drivers themselves. Conduct surveys or assessments for your drivers to the specific health and wellness needs they are looking for. This helps create a focus on what is right for your business to implement within your wellness program. Factors to consider highlighting may be a sedentary lifestyle, long hours on the road, physical and mental stress and nutrition.
2. Developing a comprehensive program
While your wellness program addresses your driver’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, your business goals should aim at achieving specific outcomes. Such as reducing stress levels, promoting healthy eating habits. increasing physical activity, or addressing specific health concerns. If you’re not sure how to create this balance, here are a few initiatives to include in your program:
- Wellness policies: Outline the program’s purpose and guidelines so your workforce is aligned with the program’s goals.
- Health Screenings: Offer health screenings for drivers can be beneficial to identify potential health issues. Use the results to tailor your wellness programs to address specific health concerns.
- Fitness Programs: Exercise programs can encourage physical fitness tailored to the needs of drivers. Providing resources for simple exercises that can be done on the road or during breaks
- Mental health: Addressing mental health has been increasing within workforces. Providing access to counseling services or stress management programs has proved to be beneficial. Creating a supportive environment where drivers feel comfortable seeking help is necessary
- Nutrition Options: Provide access to healthy food options at rest stops or company facilities through resources and information on healthy eating habits and meal planning
- Resources and Education: If you as a business are not sure of how to start a wellness program, your drivers may not know where to begin a healthy lifestyle. Offer resources such as informational materials, online courses, and workshops to educate drivers on healthy living. Using various communication channels to keep drivers informed about wellness initiatives and resources.
Incentives: Implementing incentives can encourage driver participation. This could include rewards for achieving wellness goals such as gift cards, recognition, or even bonuses to motivate engagement.
3. Continuing the wellness program journey
It may seem like the hard part is over, but it’s what your business continues to track that forces your wellness program to succeed. For a driver wellness program to be successful, ongoing commitment, communication, and flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of drivers are crucial. Here are a few metrics to track:
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of your wellness program through feedback, surveys , and health metrics. And adjust the program based on the evolving needs and feedback from your drivers.
- Encourage leaders and drivers to celebrate milestones and successes achieved through the wellness program. Share success stories to inspire and motivate other drivers.
- Establish a committee with representatives from various departments, such as management, HR and drivers. The committee can be responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating the wellness program. Ensure that the committee is diverse to include a variety of perspectives.
In the end, a well-designed driver wellness program can benefit not only the drivers but the entire workforce. It can have a significant impact on the health, and overall well-being of your drivers but your business contributes to a safer, healthier, and more resilient workforce, resulting in sustainable success for your business.
For more insights of what initiatives to implement into your wellness program, or contribute information to your drivers check out our lifestyle library here.
Wellness on the road: A truck driver’s guide to a healthy lifestyle
Staying healthy on the road can sometimes be tough. With long hours on the road, it can be difficult to eat healthy, exercise and manage your stress. But as you very well know, the key success on the road and being able to enjoy your free time, is by setting healthy habits.
Luckily, we’ve made it easy with this wellness quick guide. In it, you’ll find tips on reducing stress, meditating, nutritious snacks, exercises and how to stay hydrated. We hope it can help you establish a foundation for a lifetime of good health on and off the road.
Want more lifestyle tips? Check out our content library for drivers here.
What’s the deal with autonomous trucks?
The transportation industry is on the threshold of a technological revolution, with autonomous trucks at the forefront of this change. These self-driving vehicles represent a groundbreaking transformation in the way goods are transported, offering the potential for increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Some industry leaders express the opinion we are far from incorporating autonomous trucks into supply chain strategies, despite believing its eventual adoption. While states and government leaders alike are already grappling with vetoing bills and issuing regulations.
Looking beyond the excitement of innovation, it is essential to delve into the reality of what autonomous trucks mean for industries, economies and our interconnected global mobility. Let’s explore the primary aspects of autonomous trucks and understand the significance they hold for the future.
Understanding the technology
First, let’s delve into the technology behind autonomous trucks and understand its implications. Autonomous trucks use advanced technology such as radar systems, lidar sensors, cameras, GPS, and sophisticated algorithms to navigate roads without human intervention.
These sensors act as the eyes and ears of the vehicle, providing real-time data about their surroundings. With information from multiple resources, the truck develops a thorough understanding of its environment, allowing it to detect obstacles, navigate roads, and make informed decisions.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms play a significant role in the effectiveness of autonomous trucks. These algorithms enable trucks to analyze large amounts of data in real-time and learn from the truck’s experiences. This provides the capability of making quick decisions and adapting to road conditions, traffic and other variables.
Having gained an initial understanding of the advancement of technology, let’s examine the challenges and potential that come with the rise of autonomous trucks.
What are some benefits?
The use of autonomous trucks can optimize logistics and transportation operations in multiple ways. As a result, they can significantly improve efficiency and provide faster deliveries, with shorter transit times, and avoid traffic jams.
These self-driving vehicles can travel longer distances without the need for breaks, which saves fuel and time. Enhancing reduced labor costs, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs, and operating more efficiently. They also have a positive impact on the environment by adopting fuel-efficient driving, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing sustainability. Proving to be beneficial to the supply chain industry through technology innovations, adopting autonomous trucks can result in more responsive and adaptable systems to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.
Furthermore, the development of autonomous trucks shows significant potential for improving road safety. Human error is often a leading cause of accidents, often attributed to factors like fatigue, distraction, and impaired judgment. However, these trucks, operate with precision and strict compliance to traffic rules, thereby reducing accidents, saving lives, and minimizing the economic impact of traffic-related incidents.
What are some concerns and challenges?
Although autonomous trucks have the potential to be very promising, their development is not without its challenges. One of the major concerns is the probable impact on jobs within the trucking industry. Truck drivers are worried about the possibility of losing their jobs, which could lead to unemployment. Employers, too, are concerned about retaining staff and the likely economic challenges this could cause for the industry.
Another drawback is the high cost of implementing autonomous technology, which includes sensor systems, software development, and infrastructure upgrades. This creates a barrier to initial adoption. Additionally, as autonomous trucks rely heavily on connected systems, they are more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Hacking or unauthorized access to vehicle control systems proposes significant risks.
Moreover, while autonomous systems are trained to handle a variety of scenarios, they may struggle in unforeseen situations that require human intuition and adaptability. This addresses the concern of the public’s confidence in the safety and reliability of these vehicles. However, the development of comprehensive regulations for autonomous trucks is still in progress.
The future of transportation
As autonomous trucks become more of a reality on our roads, understanding the intricate technology behind them becomes imperative, as they have the potential to reshape the future of transportation. But will these trucks pave the way for creating a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected global supply chain?
Want to be up to date on all industry trends? Check out our transportation and industry trends library here.
Staying safe in high winds as a truck driver
Truck drivers are no strangers to the unpredictable challenges of the open road and one of them is dealing with high winds. Newcomers and even seasoned truck drivers alike know maintaining safety in dangerous weather is vitally important not only for the driver’s well-being but also for the safety of fellow travelers.
Whether you’re driving across open plains, through mountainous regions, or urban landscapes, understanding how to handle your truck in high winds is essential.
Here we’ve compiled a few tips for truck drivers to navigate high winds confidently and cautiously. From pre-trip preparation to on-the-road practices, we’ll cover various measures that aim to improve safety and reduce the dangers of strong high winds.
Check weather reports
Before embarking on your trip, a simple but effective step to take is to check weather reports and forecasts. Weather reports can assist with route planning, optimize driving time, and enhance emergency preparations and fuel efficiency.
Many modern navigation systems provide real-time weather updates, so keeping up with changing weather conditions throughout your trip can be beneficial. If high winds are expected, consider delaying your trip if this is possible. And notify anyone who needs to know you’ll require more time.
Inspect your vehicle
Ensuring you have everything you need for your safety, like an essential truck kit, is crucial, but preparing your truck for good working conditions in the weather is also necessary. Specifically for high winds, it’s important to check tires for proper inflation and tread depth. Along with making sure your breaks, lights, and steering are all functioning correctly. A truck that is well-maintained is more capable of dealing with challenging conditions.
Plan stops wisely
As conditions may change as you progress on your route the wind may become too severe. Potentially increasing accidents, unpredictable situations of blowing debris, or even needing vehicle maintenance and load security and stability.
You as a driver can also be affected by driving in high winds as it requires extra concentration and effort, which may cause fatigue. Consider pulling over to a safe area and waiting for conditions to improve and rest to improve alertness.
Reduce speed
Trailers, especially if empty, are more susceptible to being pushed in different directions at high speeds. So being cautious of your speed to maintain better control of your vehicle is crucial and will give you more time to react to sudden gusts of wind and maintain control.
Additionally keeping both hands on the steering wheel with a firm grip allows you to have better control over the vehicle. If possible, try to load your trailer evenly or use load bars to distribute weight evenly.
Increase following distance
When driving a truck in high winds, it’s important to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react to sudden changes in speed or direction and prevents rear-end and chain-reaction collisions. High winds can cause unpredictable blowing debris which cause reduced clear visibility.
But distance between yourself and other travelers can provide you a clearer line of sight, to help anticipate any challenges while driving. Especially when carrying heavy loads, trucks require a longer braking distance than smaller vehicles. So having an increased distance will provide you the space needed to bring your truck to a safe stop if necessary.
Stay centered in your lane
Because wind gusts can push your truck to the side, try to stay in the center of your lane. Maintaining the overall stability of the truck by staying centered reduces the risk of drifting into another lane or off the road. As high winds can vary in direction or intensity, staying centered allows you to make controlled adjustments to counteract these changes without overcompensating and drifting.
If you need to pass another vehicle, do so with caution and awareness that wind effects may be stronger while increasing your speed to pass or being passed by other large vehicles.
Use your flashers
If extreme cases of dangerous wind conditions occur, to provide further safety for you and other drivers, use your hazard flashers. This will increase the visibility of your truck and signal other drivers to be cautious and anticipate any changes in your vehicle’s speed or direction due to high winds.
Using your flashers will also provide increased visibility for other drivers to spot your vehicle from a distance. Some jurisdictions even require the use of flashers during specific weather conditions or emergencies. Being compliant with these regulations is important for both safety and legal reasons.
Remember that safety should always be the top priority as a truck driver, and it’s crucial to proceed with caution and be well-prepared when navigating through high winds. To minimize the risks associated with high winds, it’s essential to stay updated on weather conditions, maintain a well-inspected and properly loaded vehicle, and use practical driving techniques. By following these precautions and staying alert, you can not only protect yourself but also enhance the safety of the roads you travel on.
With safety being the number one priority here at Centerline, our Centerline Mobile App was built to keep drivers connected and engaged.
If you drive with Centerline and haven’t downloaded the mobile app yet, simply visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play store on your device, search for Centerline, and download!
How drivers can stay up to date on safety
As a truck driver, you know all too well the various risks that come with driving on the road. From hazardous road conditions like construction, bad weather, and heavy traffic to encountering aggressive or distracted drivers, you face numerous growing challenges.
In fact, driving is considered one of the most dangerous activities most individuals engage in daily. However, you as truck drivers are exposed to these dangers on a much larger scale.
To stay safe while driving, it’s crucial for you to stay informed about the latest information and be vigilant of possible hazards. To help with this, we’ve put together some tips on how to stay up to date with the latest safety measures.
Stay informed
Regulations regarding safety may be subject to change, but there are specific departments responsible for setting the latest standards. These include the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FSCMA). Even though they set the regulations, it’s the responsibility of truck drivers to stay informed and adapt their practices accordingly. Compliance with industry regulations not only ensures safety for all but also helps avoid potential fines and penalties. It’s a good idea to build a system for yourself of regularly checking for any regulation updates that may impact you.
Attend safety training programs
Many trucking companies offer safety training programs, and host safety-focused events and conferences. These sessions typically cover topics such as defensive driving, the Smith System, load securing, and accident prevention. Additionally joining and participating in these events promotes a culture of safety within your company and provides valuable safety resources, training, and networking opportunities, and enhances your safety knowledge.
Participate in webinars and online courses
As a driver, you may not always be available to attend events or programs in person, due to location or being on the road. But there are options for online webinars and courses on trucking readily available. Taking advantage of these resources can enhance your knowledge and skills and give you access to a variety of interactive learning topics and experts. Other benefits include convenience, flexibility, and can be cost-effective with self-paced learning.
Utilize social media
Staying connected in the trucking community through social media helps provide support, advice, and a platform for sharing safety-related content, regardless if you’re currently on the road or not. You can listen to podcasts and get real-time updates from experts and experienced truckers, which can help you stay informed about accidents, news, regulations, and safety. And by subscribing to relevant industry publications, accounts, and online communities you can gain valuable insights into safety trends, technology advancements, and best practices.
Practice self-assessment
To ensure safety on the road, it is important to develop a habit of self-assessment. This proactive approach not only increases awareness of potential risks but also contributes to a safer environment for both you and other drivers. Through regularly assessing your driving habits, checking equipment maintenance, and being self-aware you can identify areas for improvement to lead to safer driving practices. Remember, safety starts with you.
Use mobile apps
Did you know Centerline has a mobile app? This app was built to keep drivers like you updated, and connected, with safety tips and more. With safety being the number one priority, Centerline drivers can easily submit an accident or injury report to our Service Team directly through the mobile app. No matter where you are, our mobile app can ensure you are in the loop on everything you need, to know while on the road and off.
Ensuring safety on the road is a shared responsibility, and truck drivers have a critical role to play in keeping themselves and others safe. Staying informed about safety practices and regulations is crucial for truck drivers to help make the roads safer for everyone, and to ensure their safe return home.
Want more safety tips? Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest safety content including tips, checklists, how to prevent injuries, and more.
NPTC Safety Article- April 2023 -Distracted-Driving
Centerline Drivers recognized as CPFD’s 2022 Vendor Appreciation Award winner
Centerline Drivers is honored to announce that we have been recognized by Coastal Pacific Food Distribution (CPFD) as their Vendor Appreciation Award winner for 2022.
CPFD, a leading military distributor of food and related products around the world – has been working with Centerline Drivers since 2008, and together ensure that this team gets it done! From giving detailed attention weekly visits 2-3 times per week, yard walks, talking to drivers to ensure retention and recommending drivers, to hiring selective drivers to deliver to military bases, runs are covered.
Centerline Major Account Manager, Robert Perez, recognizes his team and says, “together we work really hard throughout the year. This team including weekends no matter what time are always ready to support even on their days off. We insert ourselves in the operation as if it was our own and help in any way possible.”
Staying connected not just on the road, Centerline Drivers and CPFD have assembled multiple events together. The team hosts monthly driver lunches, driver appreciation picnics, drive-thru holiday events, and conducts quarterly safety meetings amongst other events throughout the year. The Centerline and CPFD team also partnered together in 2021 to host a post-holiday event for their drivers to celebrate.
Thank you to our drivers for going the extra mile! And a very special thank you to: Robert Perez, John Trahan, Jeanine Suarez, Regina Frank, and Daniel Leon.
We graciously accept this award and look forward to continuing building our partnership with the Coastal Pacific Food Distribution team in the years ahead!
5 ways to make your drivers never want to leave
It can be frustrating to hire a new driver and invest a bunch of time training them, only to have them leave a short while later. It’s costly too. Gallup has previously reported that it costs up to two times an employee’s annual salary to replace them. If you have a high turnover rate, this can really add up.
Creating a workforce that stays long-term helps reduce these issues. What can you do to make your drivers never want to leave?
1. Pay competitive wages
While money isn’t everything, if you are paying less than others in your area (and in your industry), job candidates may use you to gain the experience necessary to move on to higher-paying companies.
But wages are important to many drivers and may make the difference in which company they pick. According to our State of Trucking 2024 survey, 58% of drivers say pay is the top benefit they are looking for when selecting a company. And 66% said it’s the main reason they are searching for a new job.
Paying lower wages also makes you less appealing to top talent. You can avoid both of these scenarios by setting your wages competitively.
Do some research to determine what others in your industry and geographical area are paying. Many online sites exist to help with this, some of which include Indeed, PayScale, and Glassdoor. You can search average rates for drivers in your area on these websites, giving you a better idea of where to set your drivers’ pay.
2. Give good perks
If you are paying competitive rates, yet are still having a hard time retaining good drivers—or if you are maxed out on what you can pay—another option is to give good perks. These add value to the positions and can be more appealing to people who are motivated by factors other than money.
Examples of perks to consider might include access to high-quality medical plans or a decent number of days off annually. Others include flexible scheduling, discounted memberships at local businesses (such as gyms, wholesale food distributors, etc.) and matching contributions to some type of retirement account.
3. Offer incentive programs
One of the things that make video games so addictive is that you’re always trying to level up. This drive to move on to the next level keeps you coming back for more. You can create the same type of energy in your drivers by offering incentive programs.
Incentives give your drivers something to work toward. Maybe you give a gift card after so many miles logged or a company jacket after so many months worked. Bonuses are another type of incentive and can either be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
4. Recognize their work (privately and publicly)
Some people leave their jobs because they don’t feel valued. They bust their butt to do a good job, only to never be recognized for the work they put in. This can be incredibly deflating, reducing their loyalty to the company because what they do doesn’t seem to matter anyway.
It’s often said that a little appreciation goes a long way. So, take the time to recognize your drivers when they do a good job for you. Let them know that you see the effort that they are putting in and that you value their contribution to your business.
When giving recognition, it’s also helpful to remember that not everyone likes to be recognized the same way. Some prefer encouragement in private whereas others are perfectly okay with a more public appreciation. Gauge your drivers accordingly and seek to recognize their hard work in a way that is most suitable for them.
5. Provide training programs
Training programs benefit employers, providing a more skilled workforce. But they are also advantageous to employees because the more skills they have, the easier their job becomes.
Consider adding training programs for your drivers, giving them the tools they need to do a great job. If you offer these programs in-house, print up certificates that they can keep to reinforce their accomplishments. Accumulating these certifications can make them even more proud to drive for your business.
Taking these five actions can help you retain your drivers long-term, reducing your hiring headaches while also reducing their replacement costs because they’ll never want to leave.
If you are having trouble recruiting or retaining drivers, Centerline Drivers can help. Get in touch here to see how we can keep your business moving forward.
