When it comes to being an FXG (FedEx Ground) or AMZ (Amazon) truck tractor or van driver, the most important safety feature is you. Every time you operate a commercial vehicle, your safety is your responsibility and needs to be a top priority.  Your life and the lives around you depend on your ability to control your vehicle. The truck’s stopping time and distance, limited maneuverability, as well as any blind spots the vehicle may have, all require you to be in top driving performance. 

This is why being in satisfactory health is so important. The DOT physical examination can confirm your physical ability to drive, however, there are other cost-effective exams that tell us much more about your health.  For example, truck drivers with a high BMI may need a sleep apnea test to ensure physical fitness.

Here are some good tips to help you become a more alert and better driver

Get plenty of rest: making sure you get enough sleep is critical to safe driving. Your response time, as well as your alertness, depend on being well-rested. And we all know how important it is to be alert to the changes in traffic and be able to make quick decisions. 

Did you know that a short nap is more effective at restoring your energy than a cup of coffee?

Eat a healthy breakfast: fueling your body for the day is important to make sure you stay alert and focused while on the road. It can also help prevent things such as low blood sugar and fatigue.

Do not smoke: smoking is the leading cause of health-related conditions such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

Proper seat position: make sure the front portion of your seat is not so high that it cuts down on blood flow in your legs, leaving your legs numb when you go to exit your vehicle.

Stay hydrated: on very hot days, be sure to drink plenty of water and sports drinks that have electrolytes in them to replace what your body is sweating out.

The Takeaway

Being in good health as a FedEx or Amazon driver is not an option, but a must. Your safety and the safety of others depend on your health so we ask that you please take it as seriously as we do.  Plus, it’s proven that a healthy individual can bounce back from an injury far faster than someone who is not in good health. This means lower workers’ compensation costs for your company and better job security for you as the driver.

For more information regarding medical requirements, medical examiners, exemptions, and applications and forms, we recommend visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website here. 

If you’re an ISP, CSP, or DSP contractor and you would like to discuss your insurance policy with us, feel free to give our team a call at 860-453-0116 or send us a message here. Our licensed parcel delivery insurance team will be happy to answer any of your questions!