ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A pair of Canadian fleets will be taking part in the Truckload Carriers Association’s second weight loss challenge. Winnipeg’s Bison Transport and New Hamburg, Ont.-based Erb Transport will join four other trucking companies to participate in the second North American Battle of Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown from Sept. 24 to Dec. 2.

The competition challenges teams of drivers and staff from TCA-member truckload carriers to determine which individual and which company can achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss. The battle will last 10 weeks and will be managed for TCA by Lindora Clinic, a clinical weight management provider. Participants will follow Lindora’s Lean for Life On-the-Road program, which stresses a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, moderate protein menu plan coupled with exercise, nutrition education, and lifestyle changes. Lindora coaches will contact each individual throughout the battle to provide nutrition education, help boost morale, discuss obstacles, and record weight loss.

The first weight loss challenge, held earlier this year, saw individuals lose a combined 3,022 lbs, or 10% of their collective body weight.

“The Lindora team is really looking forward to the second Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown,” said Kathy Ayres, Lean for Life On-the-Road project manager for Lindora Clinic. “After the amazing success of the first Showdown, and the synergy that was created with those teams, we are thrilled to have an opportunity to recreate the magic with this new group of Showdown contenders.”

“The first Showdown was just the beginning, providing an intriguing glimpse at the positive results that can be achieved when people get motivated,” said TCA president Chris Burruss. “I hope there will be many more to come… Showdowns are an excellent way for trucking companies to give back to their drivers and staff, helping them shed pounds toward the goal of improved overall health.”

For a second time, TravelCenters of America/Petro Stopping Centers of Westlake, Ohio, will provide the incentive for the company whose team collectively loses the greatest percentage of weight. Its StayFit fitness room equipment package is valued at $13,000 and includes the following commercial grade items: a cable motion dual pulley strength frame rack, an Integrity elliptical cross trainer, and a recumbent stationary bike. The company will also provide restaurant and food gift cards or certificates valued at $3,000.

The individual who loses the greatest percentage of weight will receive $2,500 and a trophy, provided once again by Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kansas.

Winners of the second Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown will be announced in mid-December. Company and individual winners will be honoured in January at TCA’s Recruitment and Retention Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information, visit www.TruckingsWeightLossShowdown.com.