CarriersEdge, a driver training provider, has added new courses to address mental health challenges for truckers and personal security issues. CEO Jane Jazrawy said, “A driver’s mental state and sense of safety can significantly impact their well-being and productivity out on the road.” The courses are now available to CarriersEdge subscribers at no extra charge.

Truck drivers face social isolation, long shifts, sleep disruptions, and other job-related stress, leading to burnout, loneliness, and mental health issues. According to the CDC, more than 50% of U.S. population will be diagnosed with mental illness/disorder at some point in their lifetime. The CDC’s 2017 report showed that transportation professionals had the fourth-highest suicide rate among occupational groups.

The new mental health course is designed to increase awareness of mental health challenges and provide drivers with solutions to improve mental well-being. Jazrawy said: “There is still stigma surrounding mental illness, making it difficult for people to open up and talk about how they’re doing. This course is a resource for drivers to better identify and work through mental challenges, and for fleet managers to better monitor and discuss these issues with drivers.”

Cargo theft in the transportation industry is on the rise. According to CargoNet, there were 1,778 incidents in the US in 2022, a 15% increase from 2021. To help drivers increase awareness of security threats and provide guidance in dangerous situations, CarriersEdge has created the course “Personal Security”.