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Carriers Jumping on Health and Wellness Trend

Whether it's a retention tool, a moral obligation or just good business sense, a growing number of trucking companies are jumping on the health and wellness bandwagon, and their employees, particularly their over-the-road professionals, are reaping the benefits.

For example, Celadon Group announced that 73 employees have lost nearly 1,000 pounds by participating in a weight loss program tied to the company's Highway 2 Health wellness initiative. After completing a 12-week onsite Weight Watchers course, 54 employees at Celadon's headquarters have lost 704 pounds. Nineteen employees at Celadon's operation in Kitchener, Ontario, in the tenth week of their program, have lost 257 pounds to bring the company's weight loss total to 961 pounds.
Celadon implemented its Highway 2 Health program last August as an effort to lower its health care costs while creating a healthier workforce. For the Weight Watchers program, Celadon offered a financial incentive to encourage participation. Employees who completed the 12-week program and lost five percent of their initial body weight were reimbursed for the entire cost of the $140 program. Those who completed the program but didn't meet the goal were reimbursed for half of the program's cost.

"I can't express how proud we are of every employee who has participated," says Celadon Chairman and CEO Steve Russell. "With an average weight loss of 13 pounds per person, we are all sharing in the excitement of their results."

The Highway 2 Health initiative has several components, including the opportunity for employees to participate in a thorough health screening that measures blood pressure, body mass, glucose and lipid profiles. Employees who participate receive a confidential report on the state of their health along with a plan of action to control problems. They also have access to an onsite medical team that can provide immediate care, medical consultations, individual health coaching, and health education classes. Not coincidentally, Celadon was recently selected by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as one of the "Best Places to Work in Indiana."

Meanwhile, Melton Truck Lines' mission for improved employee health and wellbeing stepped up with the opening of its second state-of-the-art fitness facility and the addition of a wellness coordinator. Melton President Bob Peterson has always been a proponent of healthy lifestyles, especially in an industry known for poor health, smoking and diabetes. "My health has always been a top priority, and I want all our employees to have the same drive to feel better and live longer," Peterson says.
Peterson says health and fitness has always been important at Melton, but after a trip to the renowned Cooper Institute in Dallas, he recognized the urgency. Now, several employees and drivers have made the trip to the Cooper Institute and have returned educated and on track for better health.
In late November, Bret Bringham joined Melton to head up the wellness program. Bringham is creating custom exercise programs for drivers and office employees, boot camps and walking programs. In January, Melton kicked off the "Melton Meltdown" -- a 12-week weight loss and fitness challenge extended to both office employees and drivers. Melton also offers guest speakers on relevant health topics and fitness trends.

Melton's latest on-site fitness center includes top-of-the-line equipment including Nautilus cardio equipment with personal TV monitors, free weights, cable weight system and weight machines, along with stability balls and medicine balls. In addition, Melton is incorporating a Web-based fitness tracking program, onsite health assessments and personalized exercise programs.

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