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The Health of a Road Warrior.
According to a recent report, eighty-six percent of the estimated 3.2 million truck drivers in the United States are overweight or obese. "It is a terrible problem in the trucking industry," according to Brett Blowers, director of marketing and development for the Healthy Trucking Association of America. Apparently it is not just a problem with truckers, but for any road warrior, which, is no surprise considering the lack of available exercise opportunities and the typical road food diet. Fortunately, several national truck stop chains are now offering exercise areas and healthier food choices. In addition to exercise, healthier road food, and knowing what to avoid is the key. Fried foods and most buffets, which many truckers say stands for "Big Ugly Fellows Eating Together," are either unhealthy or encourage much larger portions then necessary. With insurance costs going up, and new certified medical examiners coming on board per a recent D.O.T. ruling, the best advice is to start watching your health now—don't wait!
Trucking Still #1!
Despite all of the worries about slipping back into a recession, both the trucking industry and the macro-economy are gaining some momentum, according to a newly released ATA report.. ATA President Bill Graves called the report the "singularly most important" guide to trucking industry facts and said it shows trucking is the "driving force" behind the improving economy. "Safe, reliable and efficient motor carriers enable businesses throughout the entire supply chain to keep inventories lean, thereby saving the economy billions of dollars each year," Graves said in a statement.
A Healthier Truck?
Dainler has recently developed a research vehicle called the "TopFitTruck" which is a long haul tractor featuring a number of enhancements to improve drivers' fitness and health. Just a few of the innovations include a massage seat and a steering wheel pillow to encourage "power-naps" as well as aroma therapy devices which promote alertness, weight lifting bands that allow for some in-cab exercise, and a new air conditioning system that maximizes a fresh oxygen supply.
It's A Gas.
In a trend that is likely not going away, Frito-Lay announced on April 17 that it would at 67 trucks to its fleet that would run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). At current prices, the trucks would save about $2.50 a gallon compared with the current price of diesel fuel and reduce greenhouse emissions by 23% over diesels. The trucks cost more up front, but the pay back is expected to be about a year and a half. Obviously, there are logistical issues as far as availability of refueling stations, yet, with natural gas prices falling and new supplies opening up, this could be a trend that continues—especially for in short haul fleets.
U.S. DOT National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Final Rule.
In a long expected ruling U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced on April 18th an important new safety rule that requires healthcare professionals who perform medical examinations for interstate truck and bus drivers to be trained, tested and certified on the specific physical qualifications that affect a driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle. The final rule also creates a national online database of medical examiners who have completed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) certification process. "Safety is our top priority and requires cooperation from everyone involved, including our medical examiners," said Secretary Ray LaHood. "This new rule will ensure that healthcare professionals conducting exams keep in mind all of the demands required to operate large trucks and passenger buses safely.
"Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."
-- Charles Kuralt
The Roemer Report is a monthly digest of news for trucking industry executives. Often referred to as the “Kiplinger Letter of the Trucking Industry“, the report has been published by Roemer Insurance for over
30 years. Each month, The Roemer report gives you a quick, three minute read that surveys the top issues facing the trucking industry.
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