Feds Tell Truckers: Get in Shape or Get Off the Road

Shape up before you ship out.  Those are the new federal guidelines for truckers, as the growing problem of obesity in the industry is about to create new problems for drivers.

FOX News Radio’s Jane Metzler reports:

86% of the nation’s truckers are overweight – half are obese.  Thin when he started driving in the ’90’s, Richie Nehrings says the road weighs ya down…literally.  Cooped up in a cab, it’s a challenge to get exercise.  Then, there’s that truck stop fare.

(Nehrings) “Breakfast foods and burgers, french fries.”

Scared by his 372 pounds and the obesity-related deaths of fellow truckers, Nehrings took action – losing 70 pounds so far – bringing healthy food on the road and making time for exercise.  Turns out, he’s ahead of the curve and new Transportation Department guidelines.

(Nehrings) “Laws that are changing right now are physical, physical health.”

High blood pressure, sleep apnea and diabetes, all linked to weight gain, can keep drivers off the road.

Jane Metzler, FOX News Radio.