For many South African truck drivers, October Transport Month may well have passed without fanfare or special appreciation from the transport industry. Invariably, Transport Month for the nation’s truckers is simply ‘business as usual’. There are exceptions however. Last month, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) and several of its dealer partners teamed up with driver health organisation Trucking Wellness at key points on major highways to personally thank and gift dozens of truck drivers with free health checks and goodies.
“At Daimler Truck Southern Africa, our purpose is clear: For all who keep Africa moving. Truck drivers are the backbone of our logistics network, playing a crucial role in transporting goods and driving economic growth across the continent. During Transport Month, it was especially fitting to recognise and appreciate these dedicated professionals,” says Maretha Gerber, president and group CEO at Daimler Truck Southern Africa.
This year, the initiative reached key areas including Bloemfontein, together with dealer Garden City Commercials Bloemfontein; Harrismith, together with Garden City Commercials Pietermaritzburg; Middleburg, together with McCarthy Kunene Middleburg and East London, through Ronnies Commercial Vehicles East London, Gerber explains.
“Trucking Wellness joined the initiative to give truck drivers free health and wellness checks at the same time. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, identified once again during this outreach, remains the highest health risk for truck drivers. Therefore, providing health education and lifestyle guidance to help regulate blood pressure, especially for those spending long hours on the road, remains a key focus for the Trucking Wellness project,” says Gerber.
For Judith Bester, project leader at Trucking Wellness: “This initiative not only enabled us to provide the drivers with the necessary health information and education to improve their health, but also to gain insights into how Trucking Wellness can further adapt and improve our services to them to ensure healthier drivers and safer roads.
“I would like to thank Daimler Truck Southern Africa for their ongoing support of the Trucking Wellness Programme and for making us part of this initiative. This was a wonderful experience, enabling us to interact, appreciate and engage in open conversations with the drivers about the health issues they face on a daily basis, which is invaluable to Trucking Wellness.”
Gerber concludes: “Truck drivers endure long hours on the road and extended periods away from their families, often under challenging conditions. Their commitment ensures that our shops remain stocked and our economy thrives. This past Transport Month, DTSA proudly saluted all truck drivers and we extended our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication and the vital work they do. Their efforts do not go unnoticed and we thanked them for keeping our nation moving forward.”
FleetWatch resonates deeply with the DTSA/Trucking Wellness Transport Month initiative in many ways. Our truck drivers need direct affirmation and ongoing support to help keep them well, both physically and mentally. Bravo folks, for your proactive approach to promoting holistic driver wellness!
