Truck drivers start packing pooches

Here’s a heart-warming story perfect for the holiday season: an American company is encouraging its drivers to take their pets on the road.

Just as having the family pet around the house is a source of enjoyment and relaxation that leads to happier and healthier lives, those same benefits can be enjoyed by professional drivers as they head out on the road joined by their furry companions. That’s what CFI, a truckload carrier with operations throughout North America, reckons.

“Life on the road can sometimes be lonely but having a pet along for the ride provides companionship and a partner that can help ease those feelings and support a more pleasant and enjoyable driving experience,” notes Greg Orr, president of CFI. “That’s why we sponsor a programme that supports drivers who want to bring their pets to work, encouraging them to have that companion join them on the open road.”

Interviews with drivers as well as studies have shown that pet companionship on the road has important benefits for both the emotional and physical well-being of drivers. Interacting with pets can decrease levels of cortisol, helping to lower stress, improve sleep quality and support a happier driving experience. Walking pets during rest stops provides an opportunity for physical exercise for both the driver and the animal. Pets also often provide an incentive to initiate and participate in social interactions and conversations, while the companionship provided by a pet during days spent on the road can help reduce anxiety.

“We believe that professional drivers should have the opportunity to drive with their dog or cat so that everyone can enjoy a ‘paw-sitive’ driving experience,” quips Orr.

CFI has had a pet ride-along programme in place since 1995. Orr notes that over the past several years, the company has seen an increase in drivers bringing their pets along for the ride. This year, CFI surpassed 350 drivers who bring their pets with them on the road.

CFI deploys nearly 2 000 professional drivers operating a fleet of over 2 000 truck tractors and more than 7 500 16-metre dry-van trailers throughout the US and Canada, with cross-border service to Mexico. The company also contracts with approximately 200 owner-operators.