The Truckload Carriers Association has partnered with Lindora Clinic, providers of medically based weight-loss and health management wellness programs, to host Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown, a competition with prize incentives for the fleet and individual who achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss. Carriers wishing to participate may apply through Nov. 30 at www.truckingsweightlossshowdown.com.
The showdown – scheduled to last 10 weeks, beginning Jan. 24, 2012 – will stress a low-carbohydrate low-fat moderate protein menu plan coupled with exercise, nutrition education and lifestyle changes. Participants will receive weekly phone calls from Lindora nurses, who will instruct them on nutrition education, help boost their morale, discuss their obstacles and record their weight loss.
The online application for the 10-week showdown asks for basic company demographics, local media contact information and a brief paragraph about why the carrier should be selected to compete. Plus, to be able to participate, carriers must be able to recruit 12 participants – six drivers and six office staff. By Jan. 1, 2012, TCA will announce the 10 fleets that have been selected to compete in the competition.
“When we first envisioned this showdown, we were going to start with just five companies with 10 team members each, but enthusiasm has been so great we opened this up to 10 companies with 12 team members each,” says Gary Salisbury, TCA chairman and president and chief executive officer of Fikes Truck Line Inc. of Hope, Ark. “Initial reaction to this idea has been tremendous.”
Each team’s profile and progress to date will be shared with attendees of TCA’s Annual Convention, to be held March 4-7, 2012, at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla. The winners – both fleet and individual – will be announced in May at TCA’s Safety & Security Division Annual Meeting.
“We are honored to be partnering with TCA on the First North American Battle of Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown,” says Gary Kermott, president and CEO of Lindora Clinic. “Our Lean for Life On-the-Road Program is a uniquely designed weight loss and health management program for the professional truck driver’s lifestyle. Our behavioral approach to creating long-lasting change will have everyone excited to watch these carrier teams feel better, look better and get healthy. And let’s not forget it will be simply good old-fashioned fun seeing trucking’s competitive spirit in action.”
