A Growing Health Concern Drivers Should Know About

Over the last two decades, researchers have flagged a troubling shift. While overall cancer rates are trending down, colorectal cancer is moving in the opposite direction, especially among younger adults.

Cases in people under 55 have nearly doubled. The National Cancer Institute now identifies colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related death among people ages 20 to 49, adding urgency to what’s already a concerning rise in younger diagnoses. Even more concerning, diagnoses at younger ages are often more aggressive, making early detection even more critical.

Globally, colorectal cancer now ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for nearly one million deaths each year.

Why This Hits the Trucking Industry Hard

Many of the known risk factors for colorectal cancer overlap with the realities of long-haul driving:

• Diets high in processed or low-nutrient foods
• Frequent consumption of red meat and limited access to fresh options
• Sedentary workdays with long hours behind the wheel
• Higher rates of tobacco use
• Limited opportunities for regular exercise

There are also environmental concerns, like pollutants and chemicals, that may play a role. While no single cause has been identified, the combination of these factors puts drivers in a higher-risk category.

Free Screening Options Built for Life on the Road

Recognizing these challenges, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) has expanded access to preventive care through its Get Preventive Screenings (GPS) program.

This initiative is designed specifically for Class A CDL over-the-road drivers who struggle to find time for traditional medical visits. The program provides free screening kits that can be completed at home or even while out on a run.

Screenings currently available include:

• Prostate cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Cervical cancer

With newer testing methods, colorectal screenings no longer require a clinic visit. These FDA-approved tests use a simple sample and deliver results in minutes, helping drivers take action without disrupting their schedule.

When Should Drivers Start Screening?

Standard guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. But with rising cases in younger adults, SCF encourages a more proactive approach.

Drivers can request an annual FIT test at any age. For those with a family history, such as a parent or sibling diagnosed with colorectal cancer, screening should begin 10 years earlier than the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

The message is simple: don’t wait for symptoms to show up.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Colorectal cancer often starts quietly, which is why screening matters. Still, there are symptoms drivers should take seriously:

• Ongoing changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Feeling like the bowel doesn’t fully empty
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, including cramps or bloating
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Sudden weight loss

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they do mean it’s time to talk to a medical professional.

Early Detection Keeps You on the Road Longer

There’s some encouraging news. Survival rates for colorectal cancer continue to improve, largely because of earlier detection and better screening tools.

For drivers, that means taking a few minutes now could prevent a major health setback later. Catching cancer early not only increases survival rates, but it can also reduce downtime, protect your livelihood, and keep you moving.

Take the Next Step

Health often takes a backseat in this industry, but it doesn’t have to. Programs like SCF’s GPS are removing barriers and making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.

If you’re running hard and putting off checkups, this is one step you can take without missing a load.

Register for your free screening kit here.

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The effort, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signals a commitment to keeping drivers and industry staff active during the workday.

WIT’s Commitment

WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, signed on behalf of the organization, committing to:

• Adopt at least two strategies to provide employees with opportunities for movement and physical activity. WIT will continue to educate and encourage all trucking industry workers on the importance of staying active.
• Lead by example by prioritizing physical activity in her own daily routine.

Hedrick also encourages leaders across the trucking sector, including CEOs, Executive Directors, Presidents, and Managing Directors, to join the pledge. Organizations can sign up here.

Industry Ambassador Brings Driver Health into Focus

Bob Perry, founder of FitDrivers.com, has been named the first Industry Ambassador for Transportation & Trucking in the CEO Pledge program. Perry, known in the industry as The Trucker Trainer®, brings decades of experience advocating for driver health, including hosting the FIT DRIVERS® podcast sponsored by Tenstreet.

In this role, Perry will:

• Promote the CEO Pledge for Physical Activity to trucking executives and employers.
• Highlight practical strategies and success stories specific to drivers and trucking staff.
• Introduce potential pledge signatories, industry organizations, and events focused on physical activity.

Michael Stack, President of the Physical Activity Alliance, said, “We are honored to have Bob Perry as our first Industry Ambassador. His passion for driver health and his credibility in the trucking community will help us reach employers and leaders who can make physical activity a visible, everyday part of work life.”

Perry added, “Encouraging CEOs to develop and promote health and fitness initiatives within the transportation sector aligns perfectly with my mission in Busing and Trucking over the past several decades. As we initiate the pilot phase of the Industry Ambassador Program in Transportation and Trucking, I take pride in inspiring the identification of more ambassadors across various sectors.”

The Bigger Goal

The CEO Pledge for Physical Activity calls on leaders to prioritize movement, model active lifestyles, and support the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation initiative, which aims to get 27 million more Americans active by 2027.

Trucking industry companies already taking part include:

• Pemberton Truck Lines
• National Motor Freight Traffic Association
• Old Dominion Freight Lines
• CHEEMA Freightlines
• Rolling Strong

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The organization is offering free cervical cancer screening kits to female over-the-road drivers nationwide, allowing them to complete the process privately and on their own schedule.

“Access to preventative care can be incredibly challenging for women who spend weeks at a time on the road,” said Lindsey Bryan, health & wellness manager at SCF. “By offering free, discreet, at-home cervical cancer screening kits, we’re removing barriers and meeting female drivers where they are. Early detection saves lives, and we want every woman in trucking to have access to that peace of mind.”

How the Screening Program Works

The cervical cancer kits expand SCF’s existing lineup of preventative screenings for professional drivers. The nonprofit already provides at-home and on-the-road prostate and colon or colorectal cancer screening kits.

Female OTR drivers can request a cervical cancer kit directly through SCF’s website by selecting the Cervical Cancer Screening option. Once submitted, the information goes straight to a St. Christopher Health and Wellness Case Manager. That case manager completes the registration and arranges shipment of the kit to the driver’s preferred location, whether that is a home address, carrier terminal, or P.O. Box.

Drivers complete the screening in private and return it using a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. Results are delivered within seven to ten days. If a test returns positive, the driver is offered a free Telehealth appointment for follow-up consultation.

SCF emphasized the importance of early action, stating, “Cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when detected early.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 91 percent. That rate drops significantly if the disease spreads, making regular screening a critical safeguard.

A Growing Population on the Road

Health access matters even more as the number of women in long-haul trucking continues to grow. The Women In Trucking Association has reported that women now represent approximately 9.5 percent of professional OTR drivers. With more than 2.2 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs reported in 2024 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, that percentage translates to more than 200,000 female OTR drivers currently operating nationwide.

“Women in trucking play a vital role in keeping our supply chain moving,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of Women In Trucking Association. “Programs like this demonstrate a true commitment to supporting women drivers beyond the cab. Providing free cervical cancer screenings helps ensure women have access to preventative care no matter where the road takes them.”

Beyond Emergency Relief

SCF remains the only nationwide nonprofit providing short-term financial assistance to Class A OTR drivers who have experienced an illness or injury within the last 365 days that forced them out of work. Alongside financial relief, the organization also offers multiple free health and wellness programs aimed at keeping drivers healthy and on the job.

Those programs include nicotine cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers.

Female OTR drivers who want to request a cervical cancer screening kit or learn more about other available screenings can do so through the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund website.

For an industry that depends on long hours and long miles, initiatives like this bring preventative care closer to the people who keep freight moving every day.

Source: The Trucker

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The survey, conducted in partnership with SCF, shows that the public still has little understanding of the challenges professional drivers face, especially when it comes to health, income loss, and time away from home.

What the Survey Found

The results point to some serious concerns that hit close to home for anyone who makes a living on the road, whether that is a long-haul trucker or someone running daily delivery routes.

• Income loss: 37 percent of Americans believe truckers lose between $10,000 and $24,999 in income if illness or injury forces them off the road for just one month.
  • Lack of paid sick time: 43 percent of people surveyed did not realize that most independent drivers do not get paid sick leave.
  • Health risks: Nearly 40 percent of drivers face major metabolic or cardiovascular health concerns, including diabetes and heart disease.
  • Family impact: 39 percent of Americans know a truck driver who spends four or more days away from home at a time, with most only getting one to six days off between trips.

Those numbers show how vulnerable drivers can be when unexpected health issues hit.

The Human Side of the Job

“With 72 percent of the U.S. supply chain dependent on trucks, driver health and financial stability directly impact logistics resilience,” said Courtney Niemann, Executive Director of SCF. “Every mile, every delivery, and every long night on the road, America’s truck drivers go above and beyond to keep our country running. At SCF, we are committed to stepping in when illness or injury forces a driver off the road so families don’t fall through the cracks.”

That mission goes beyond long-haul trucking. For many local and last-mile delivery drivers, the same problems apply: no guaranteed sick pay, tight schedules, and limited access to affordable healthcare.

Support When Drivers Need It Most

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund helps drivers and their families when unexpected medical or financial emergencies happen. The group offers direct financial aid along with free health and wellness programs to help drivers recover and get back to work safely.

Some of their recent initiatives include preventive health screenings, smoking cessation support, and chronic disease management programs designed for the realities of life on the road, such as long hours, limited healthy food options, and constant pressure to meet delivery deadlines.

Why This Matters to Last Mile Drivers

Even if your routes are local, the story is familiar. A few missed shifts because of illness can mean the difference between catching up and falling behind on bills. And when benefits are limited or nonexistent, drivers often face hard choices between rest and work.

This new survey underscores the importance of taking care of your health and knowing what resources exist to help when things go wrong. For drivers who depend on every stop and every delivery, support programs like SCF can make all the difference.

Source: Truckers News

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To encourage active participation, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) introduces themed activities that make appreciation visible and memorable throughout the week:

Monday: Burgundy and White Day

Show NTDAW pride by wearing the official colors and brightening up terminals, cabs, and office spaces. Posting photos builds enthusiasm, and recognizing the most spirited groups strengthens team culture.

Tuesday: Treat a Trucker

Offer complimentary breakfasts, snacks, or refreshments at terminals or local truck stops. Enhancements like personalized notes, branded tokens, or driver-friendly items make the gesture stand out.

Wednesday: WIM Wednesday Driven to Lead

Highlight women in trucking by supporting the Women In Motion webinar, which shares inspiring stories and insights. Activities like raffles or gift card giveaways encourage strong engagement.

Thursday: Thank a Trucker

Leaders and team members can record short appreciation messages. Sharing them internally or on social media ensures drivers feel truly recognized authentically.

Friday: Raffle and Recognition

End the week on a high note with raffles, gatherings, or informal celebrations spotlighting drivers’ contributions. A recap of the week’s highlights builds camaraderie and pride.

While the ATA framework provides guidance, true impact depends on industry-wide involvement. A Women In Trucking Association poll on LinkedIn reflected growing participation. 56% of responding companies plan to host special events this year, while about 20% will acknowledge drivers through smaller initiatives. This broad support demonstrates increasing commitment to valuing drivers across the industry.

To maximize appreciation this week and beyond, carriers can adopt practical, meaningful approaches such as:

• Writing personalized thank you notes that reference safe driving milestones or service achievements.
• Coordinating meals or social gatherings that work with varied driver schedules so everyone is included.
• Decorating terminals with NTDAW branding and colors to create a festive, welcoming space.
• Sharing driver profiles and success stories through newsletters, social feeds, or company channels.
• Offering thoughtful gifts such as comfort kits, wellness products, or gift cards tailored to drivers’ needs.
• Enhancing terminal amenities with secure parking, clean facilities, and comfortable break areas, which are especially valued by women drivers.
• Launching mentorship and leadership programs that help drivers grow professionally and feel supported.

Driving a truck is among the most demanding professions, marked by long hours, extended time away from home, and critical responsibility. While National Truck Driver Appreciation Week provides a dedicated window to say thank you, the real difference lies in consistent, everyday recognition. Small but meaningful actions combined with genuine respect build lasting trust, strengthen morale, and help drivers feel truly valued long after the week has ended.

Source: ATA, Women In Trucking

The post Celebrating the People Who Keep America Moving: How Carriers Can Celebrate Their Drivers This #NTDAW appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the study, 68% of drivers say work-related stress negatively impacts their job performance, and 78% believe such stress contributes significantly to road hazards.

“This stress leads to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and higher risks for everyone on the road,” remarked Sabina Martin, Vice President of Product Management at Geotab. “The financial impact is significant, including higher insurance premiums, potential legal liabilities, and increased fuel and maintenance costs.”

The Cost of Stress for Transportation Companies

One heavy financial toll caused by driver stress is turnover. Replacing a single driver can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000, according to a 2024 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. High turnover rates drive up expenses for recruiting and training while leading to lower productivity and increased crash rates.

Factors Contributing to Driver Stress

Drivers experience stress from various sources, including isolation, traffic issues, limited access to healthy food and exercise, dissatisfaction with pay, and unmanageable schedules.

Compensation, in particular, is a primary stressor. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) ranked driver compensation as the fifth-biggest industry challenge in its 2024 list of top issues. Meanwhile, CCJ’s 2024 What Drivers Want survey highlighted pay as a dominant factor contributing to driver stress.

“Stress over money is killing me,” shared Ronald Harvey, a driver for DMR Transportation in Florida. Another respondent emphasized the need for “predictable pay” to ease financial anxiety, while Wisconsin-based driver Josephine Laney noted, “Give the pay they deserve. In doing so it will be less stress and happy work doing what needs to be done.”

Traffic congestion was also cited by truckers in their feedback. “Drivers undergo a lot of stress every day, especially when your primary running area is east of the Mississippi. Bigger towns mean heavier traffic; everyone is in a hurry,” said Tim Hay, a driver for Tyson in Arkansas.

Geotab’s survey reflected similar findings, with 60% of drivers reporting that traffic and road work significantly hinder job completion. The report also outlined growing concerns about speeding, distracted driving, and unsafe practices by other road users. Nearly 26% of drivers admitted to breaking speed limits regularly, while 76% pointed to mobile phone use by other drivers as a major road hazard.

The Toll Stress Takes on Drivers and Road Safety

“When drivers are stressed, they may experience fatigue, reduced concentration, and impaired decision-making abilities—all of which can increase the risk of road accidents,” explained Adam Lang, Director of Customer Advisory Services at Netradyne.

Lang discussed how poor mental health exacerbates stress and correlates with risky behavior on the road. “Drivers who are dealing with mental health challenges may be more prone to engaging in risky behaviors while driving, such as using their phones, eating, or daydreaming, all of which can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. Addressing mental health concerns and providing support for truckers to manage stress effectively is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the safety of everyone on the road.”

Carrier Strategies to Alleviate Driver Stress

The industry is focusing on fostering better driver wellbeing to improve safety and job satisfaction. Geotab’s study emphasizes that enhancing drivers’ lives not only reduces stress but also attracts and retains a stable workforce while boosting road safety.

Key recommendations from Geotab include:

• Using telematics for in-depth insights into driver behavior

• Deploying driver-focused apps with real-time support

• Implementing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and dash cameras

• Providing virtual reality training opportunities

• Exploring autonomous driving technologies

These strategies aim to build a supportive, tech-driven ecosystem designed to mitigate driver stress while improving operational efficiency and safety.

Trucking Wellness Programs

Several wellness initiatives tailored for truckers have been gaining traction, focusing on health improvement and stress reduction.

• St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) offers programs on smoking cessation, diabetes prevention, and cardiovascular health, alongside financial aid during medical emergencies.

• Rolling Strong delivers a mobile wellness platform featuring personalized health coaching, exercise routines, and nutrition advice, with an app to guide drivers’ wellness journeys.

• The Healthy Fleet Challenge encourages physical activity and better habits through its team-driven format, promoting camaraderie among drivers.

Prioritizing Wellness in 2025 and Beyond

A January survey by Truckstop titled Carrier Insight Survey revealed that wellness is a major priority for 2025. Over 70% of carriers are planning to improve their eating habits and exercise levels in the new year, though balancing work and home life will remain a challenge.

Vik Sridhar, Product Leader at Geotab, underscored the need to enhance driver wellness as a long-term strategy. “The future of the transportation industry depends on a thriving workforce,” Sridhar stated. “Prioritizing driver support is a strategic necessity for carriers to attract and retain drivers, leading to better business outcomes and safer roads.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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