Top Health Tips for Truckers During Cold and Flu Season: Staying Well on the Road
Cold and flu season can hit fast, and when you drive for a living, you do not get the luxury of “calling off” without it costing time and money. A sore throat today can turn into missed miles tomorrow, and that can throw off your week, your paycheck, and your home time.
Whether you’re currently running local/regional trucking jobs or searching for CDL-A truck driver jobs and trucking jobs near me, staying healthy is part of staying professional. The best drivers protect their bodies the same way they protect their equipment. With small habits and a little planning, you can lower your chances of getting sick and keep your schedule on track.
At Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., drivers support steady freight across dry van, flatbed, and specialized operations. That means staying healthy matters for safety, focus, and performance on every route.
1) Keep Hydration Simple and Consistent
- Keep a refillable bottle in the cab
- Drink water at fuel stops
- Limit energy drinks and excess soda
2) Eat Like Your Next Day Depends on It (Because It Does)
- Protein snacks you can grab fast
- Fruit or trail mix for steady energy
- Simple meals that do not slow you down
3) Protect Your Sleep Like It’s Part of the Job
- Keep your bunk area clean and comfortable
- Cut caffeine off earlier in the day
- Use a consistent bedtime whenever possible
- Avoid scrolling your phone until you fall asleep
4) Keep Your Cab Clean (It’s More Than Looks)
- Wipe down steering wheel, shifter, and door handles
- Keep sanitizer within reach
- Use disinfecting wipes on high-touch surfaces
- Do not let trash pile up for days
5) Add a “Health Check” to Your Pre-Trip Routine
- Are you alert and steady?
- Any fever symptoms or chills?
- Is your cough affecting focus?
- Are you safe to run the day?
6) Plan for Cold Weather and Flu Season Stops
- Extra gloves and warm layers
- Tissues and cough drops
- Basic over-the-counter items you know you tolerate
- Thermometer if you want to track symptoms
7) Why Health and Safety Go Together in Trucking
When drivers do not feel well, they are more likely to miss mirror checks, forget securement re-checks, rush paperwork, and lose patience in traffic. Good health supports safer driving, cleaner inspections, and fewer delays. It all connects back to avoiding downtime and protecting your truck driver weekly pay.
Why Drivers Choose Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc.
Drivers comparing company driver jobs and owner operator jobs want consistency and support, not chaos. Buchanan’s advantage is the freight variety and the professional standards behind the scenes, including opportunities tied to dry van driver jobs, flatbed driver jobs, and specialized freight.
Many drivers also check public feedback before applying. Buchanan has reviews and ratings posted across major third-party platforms like Google, Indeed, and Glassdoor, giving candidates a clearer picture of what to expect.
Apply for CDL-A Truck Driver Opportunities at Buchanan
More driver resources: Truck Driver Resources
Helpful Links
If you want to build a future in trucking, staying healthy is part of staying consistent. Start with a carrier that respects that.
Truck Driver Resources
Start Your CDL-A Job at Buchanan | Roadside Inspection Checklist to Stay Rolling | Trucking Tire Chain Laws for Truck Drivers | Trucker’s Guide to the CVSA Roadcheck Inspection | The 5S Method to a Cleaner Cab
