ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has selected 11 trucking companies to participate in Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown, a competition with prize incentives for the fleet and individual who achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss. Among the group are two Canadian fleets: Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Man. and Brian Kurtz Trucking of Breslau, Ont.

In order to be considered for the Showdown, interested companies completed an application that included a short statement of intent. According to officials, 11 of the statements were so compelling that TCA decided to increase the number of participating companies from 10 to 11. One company wrote: “Forty years old is the average age of our team. These folks are beginning to experience the devastating impact of obesity. This Showdown will give them a chance to literally save their lives.”

Another trucking company wrote: “There is a huge need for programs like this one, and it has been widely received by our staff and drivers with open arms. Not one of our team members has asked what the reward is because they truly need the help and guidance! They understand that having support to try and get on this path to health is the reward.”

Chris Burruss, TCA’s president, said, “When we read statements like these, we realized that these 11 carriers are truly passionate about their drivers’ and employees’ health, so we felt compelled to increase the number of spots to let them all into the challenge. They seriously want to educate and motivate their people to get fit, and this contest is a great way to do that.”

Beginning Jan. 24, the Showdown is scheduled to last 10 weeks and will be managed for TCA by Lindora Clinic, a personalized weight management company. It will stress a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, moderate protein menu plan coupled with exercise, nutrition education, and lifestyle changes. Participants will receive weekly phone calls from Lindora nurses, who will instruct them on nutrition education, help boost their morale, discuss their obstacles, and record their weight loss.

“The carriers’ reasons for wanting to participate in Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown are truly inspiring,” said Cynthia Stamper Graff, Lindora Clinic chairman. “The level of commitment and enthusiasm they demonstrated will make for an exciting competition. We can’t wait to get started!”

Part way through the Showdown, each team’s profile and progress will be shared with attendees of TCA’s Annual Convention, to be held March 4-7, at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla.

The winners – both fleet and individual – will be announced in May at TCA’s Safety and Security Division Annual Meeting.