Greatwide recently asked truck drivers what the biggest myths are surrounding their profession. We sifted through dozens of responses and combed through trucking industry facts to discredit several falsehoods that have plagued this industry for decades.

1. Truckers are the cause of most accidents on the road. The United States Department of Transportation reports that on average, truck driving accidents account for 2.4% of all car accidents. Truckers are three times less likely to be involved in an accident than a regular motor vehicle. More than 75% of all accidents are due to the driver of the passenger vehicle.

1. Truck drivers are rich/poor. Truck drivers make anywhere from $34,000 to $68,000 annually, depending on where they live, who they drive for, and how many miles they drive. The top five highest-paying states for truck drivers are Mississippi, Wyoming, New York, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts. The national median annual pay rate for truck drivers is $44,389. Indeed.com reports that the average pay rate for a fleet owner / owner operator is $98,000. However, owner / operators and fleet owners owning more than one truck can earn much more, depending on their business savvy.

1. Drivers don’t work hard. Just because a driver sits inside a cab most of the day does not make this job easy. It requires a huge amount of focus, motivation, concentration, and discipline. Often a driver must maneuver his truck through perilous conditions, bad weather, and congested traffic to reach a business or place before a certain deadline. Drivers must keep an accurate logbook, know details about their load, and be prepared for unexpected and even hazardous events.

1. All truck drivers are men. It’s true that the majority of drivers are male, but women drivers have been increasing in numbers. There are now over 200,000 female truck drivers in America.

1. Truck drivers don’t spend any time at home. Drivers can choose from a couple of options that will dictate where they spend most of their working hours. Greatwide offers dedicated runs so drivers can know when they will be home and plan accordingly.

1. Many truck drivers have substance-abuse issues. Many drivers are regularly drug tested to ensure that they are operating their trucks safely. In fact, federal law mandates that at least 50% of drivers take drug tests. If a driver fails a drug or alcohol test, the companies they work for face up to $825,000 in fines, so you can be sure companies are employing the most honest, reputable drivers. In fact, a driver cannot be hired if he has a prior conviction of driving under the influence or has committed a drug-related crime.

What are some myths you’ve heard about truck drivers?

As the truck driver shortage increases, the number of perks companies are offering to entice drivers is also growing.

Launching competitive fuel discount programs is an example of a perk trucking companies are implementing.  Greatwide re-launched its fuel discount program in 2012 providing even better fuel discounts for drivers by partnering with Pilot Flying J.

Some businesses are remodeling their fleets to showcase bigger cabs, GPS systems, and satellite radios. Others have launched healthcare programs that focus on promoting truck driver health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and helping truckers make better nutritional decisions.

Companies like Greatwide connect drivers to affordable health insurance, retirement, and tax services. The Greatcare program created by GW focuses on offering Owner Operators deep discounts and facilitating services that are the most relevant for drivers. For example, owner operators can purchase tires, wash their trucks, and buy Thermo King-Idle Solutions at a premium discount. Through the program, truck centers offer discounts on parts and labor. And hotels such as LaQuinta and Wyndham are able to give GW drivers discounts on their stay.

Companies value their drivers, which is the driving reason behind these programs and perks. A recent article on Reuters highlights how sought-after today’s drivers are and what an important role drivers play in shaping our economy.

Meanwhile, small, grungy truck stops are being replaced by super-marts that cater to drivers.  Truck stop operators have spent millions of dollars renovating their showers, restaurants, and lodging space and adding jogging trails, gyms, clinics, and private showers.

Menus that once displayed only fried and fatty foods now have healthier choices such as grilled chicken and salads. Some truck stops are even employing chefs on-site to upgrade the quality of food.

Reuters reports that both Pilot and TravelCenters of America have shelled out big bucks to invest in extras that will appeal to road-weary drivers.

Pilot spent $135 million on upgrades to showers, restrooms, delis and restaurants and plans to invest $49 million more by the end of 2013, while TravelCenters spent $171 million in 2011 and $40 million in the first quarter on upgrades.

What kinds of perks would you most like to receive as a driver? To take a look at all that Greatwide Dedicated Transport offers, visit www.driveforgreatwide.com

Making time for a workout while on the road can be a challenge, but exercise for truck drivers is vital for health and fitness. Not only that, but CSA has a section in the BASICs qualifications called Driver Fitness. According to Truck Driver News, Driver Fitness refers to the need for proper training, experience, and medical qualifications. That means you need to take care of your health if you want to maintain your commercial driver’s license.

One way to improve your health is to take advantage of the Anytime Fitness program, which is part of Greatcare, a package full of benefits offered by Greatwide Logistics that includes options for exercise for truck drivers. The Anytime Fitness program provides truck drivers a 50 percent discount off gym enrollment fees and 10 percent off monthly dues. With 1600 clubs worldwide and more than a million members, it’s clear that Anytime Fitness has proved its worth to truckers who want to stay fit on the road.

Exercise for truck drivers is possible even if you can’t make it to the gym. After all, there are plenty of exercises you can do sitting or lying down without any specific equipment. Remember the following exercises as you strive to stay fit on the road.

• Bicep Curls: This is a great exercise for truck drivers. Sit with your arms bent and curl them up toward your chest. Hold something slightly heavy in each hand, like hand weights or even a can of food, and do as many reps as possible.
• Push-Ups: Start on your hands and knees and cross your ankles in the air. Extend your torso so your body makes a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Repeat as many push-ups as you can. When you’re ready, switch to full push-ups, making a straight line with your body from your shoulders to your feet.
• Crunches: Hold your fingers behind your head to support your neck and bend your knees, tucking your feet in as close to your body as possible. Lift your upper body off the floor and exhale. Repeat as many times as you can.
• Sit-Ups: Lie flat on the ground and cross your arms over your chest. Raise your upper body to a sitting position and exhale. Lower yourself gently and complete as many reps as possible.

To learn more about exercise for truck drivers, or for additional information on Greatcare, be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn. Then, see what truckers are discussing on Facebook and Twitter.

Greatwide Logistics created the Greatcare™ program to provide owner operator drivers with great job benefits. This is one of the most valuable assistance programs available in the owner operator market. It’s just one reason why our drivers are proud to be a part of the growing Greatwide owner operator family. Here’s a look at exactly what Greatcare is and the discounts available with the program.

Greatcare helps you take care of your truck: As an owner operator driver, your truck is the most important part of your business. We have leveraged fuel pricing at various service stations around the country,It also provides discounts on several brands of tires, including Goodyear, Michelin, and Yokohama. Fuel at the some of the most popular truck stops is discounted to Greatcare members as well. Even truck washes at Truckomat Truck Wash are discounted!

Greatcare assists with the business side of owning a truck: Enjoy business and tax services from ATBS, physical damage and OCC/ACC insurance, lodging at Motel 6 and LaQuinta Inn and Suites, and truck purchasing assistance through Wholesale Truck & Finance and Arrow Truck Sales. Owner operators are also eligible to participate in Greatwide’s collision insurance deductible buyback program.

Greatcare provides health insurance and other coverage: Greatcare offers access to discounted group insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, disability income protection, life insurance, and off-the-job accident plans. Greatcare also provides access to ISC or Enrollment First retirement plans and the option to join a Dallas Credit Union. The program also includes something called Greathealth, which provides access to a wellness program and offers discounts on membership dues at Anytime Fitness, and Rolling Strong, a solution for driver wellness.

At Greatwide Logistics, we believe that each owner operator driver should have every advantage possible in these unstable economic times. Because of this, we’re continually reevaluating our Greatcare program and adding new benefits for you. This is one reason why Greatwide is a recognized leader in transportation.

Greatwide Logistics is a dedicated trucking company. To learn more about what we do and any available opportunities for employment, visit www.greatwide.com or www.driveforgreatwide.com. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn, visit on Facebook, and find out what Greatwide truckers are talking about on Twitter.