Aug 19, 2025
In “Project 61: The Mission to Give
Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life”, Joe Lynch
and Jeremy
Reymer, the Founder and CEO of Project 61, discuss the shocking
statistic that the average life expectancy of a truck driver is
just 61 years and the organization's mission to address this health
crisis.
About Jeremy Reymer
Jeremy Reymer is a recognized leader and innovator in the trucking industry with over 20 years of experience as both a carrier and vendor. A frequent speaker and podcast host, he addresses critical issues such as driver recruiting, retention, compliance, and health and wellness. In 2016, Jeremy founded DriverReach, a driver recruiting and compliance technology solution later acquired by Tenstreet. He also launched the popular podcast Taking the Hire Road in 2021, where he continues to spotlight industry voices and share insights. Deeply committed to the future of trucking, Jeremy serves on several industry boards, including Next Generation in Trucking and the Indiana Motor Truck Association. In late 2024, he founded Project 61, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to tackling trucking’s greatest health crisis—the 61-year average life expectancy of CDL drivers.
About Project 61
Project 61 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and longevity of America’s truck drivers. Named after the shocking statistic that the average life expectancy of a CDL driver is just 61 years, Project 61 is leading an industry-wide movement to confront this crisis head-on. Through awareness campaigns, education, and innovative health solutions, Project 61 seeks to empower drivers, carriers, and industry stakeholders to take action toward a healthier, more sustainable future for the trucking workforce. By addressing critical wellness challenges - including nutrition, fitness, mental health, and preventive care - Project 61 is working to change the trajectory of drivers’ lives and extend careers that are vital to the nation’s economy.
Key Takeaways: Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life
- In “Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life”, Joe Lynch and Jeremy Reymer, the Founder and CEO of Project 61, discuss the shocking statistic that the average life expectancy of a truck driver is just 61 years and the organization's mission to address this health crisis.
- The Trucking Industry's Health Crisis: Project 61 is founded on a shocking statistic: the average life expectancy of a CDL driver is only 61 years old. This fact serves as the primary motivator for the organization and its mission. The podcast should emphasize this data point to highlight the urgency and severity of the issue, framing it not just as a health problem, but as an industry-wide epidemic that needs immediate attention from all stakeholders.
- Jeremy Reymer's Passion and Experience: Reymer's background as a seasoned leader and innovator in the trucking industry provides him with unique credibility. His previous success with DriverReach, a company he founded and sold, demonstrates his ability to identify a problem, develop a technology-driven solution, and lead a successful venture. This personal journey from a carrier and vendor to a nonprofit founder shows his deep commitment to the future of trucking beyond just business.
- Addressing Wellness Challenges: The podcast can delve into the specific health challenges that Project 61 aims to tackle. These include nutrition, fitness, mental health, and preventive care. The unique lifestyle of a long-haul truck driver—with its sedentary nature, isolation, and often unhealthy food options on the road—contributes to high rates of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes. Discussing these specific issues will give listeners a concrete understanding of the problem.
- The Power of Community and Technology: Project 61's approach isn't just about awareness; it's about providing practical, accessible solutions. The organization recently acquired Offshift, a digital health platform specifically designed for truck drivers. This shows a commitment to leveraging technology and community to foster habit change and provide free tools and resources that drivers can use on the road. This technological component is a key part of the strategy to make a tangible difference.
- Beyond the Individual Driver: The mission of Project 61 extends to the entire industry. The nonprofit aims to empower not just drivers, but also carriers and other industry stakeholders. The podcast can highlight how investing in driver health is beneficial for businesses, leading to reduced healthcare costs, higher retention rates, and improved safety. This reframes driver health as a smart business investment, not just a moral obligation.
- A Collaborative Movement: Reymer’s work with organizations like Next Generation in Trucking and the Indiana Motor Truck Association underscores his belief in a collaborative approach. The podcast can stress that solving this crisis requires a unified movement involving carriers, vendors, insurance partners, and the media. This collaborative spirit is central to Project 61’s strategy of creating an industry-wide change.