Project 61 was founded off of one startling statistic — the average life expectancy of U.S. truck drivers.
In 2024, Jeremy Reymer decided enough was enough, and dedicated his work to changing the sobering statistic that a truck driver’s average life expectancy is just 61 years of age. He launched the non-profit initiative, Project 61. Its mission is not only to raise awareness of this startling health crisis, but also to support drivers and carriers alike by providing them with the necessary education, resources, and support to improve driver well-being and extend their lives.
Dr. Mark Manera’s career as a physical therapist led him down a similar path, as he launched Offshift, a digital health company built specifically for drivers. Manera saw firsthand the effects decades behind the wheel has on the human body. He was determined to make a real, tangible difference for truck drivers.
And in July of 2025, Reymer and Manera joined forces as Project 61 acquired Offshift, and the two set forward with new momentum.
A Closer Look at Project 61
Dr. Manera and Reymer knew the only way to create the far-reaching, lasting change they sought would be to actually meet drivers where they’re at, with tools that actually fit life on the road.
The two combined resources to build a free, industry-wide health app that makes it possible for drivers to build healthier habits long term. Any driver, any fleet, anywhere can access the app without any cost.
The team here at CDL Job Now spoke with Reymer and Manera to learn more about Project 61’s app, and the entire movement. Let’s hear it from the people behind the project:
What was the inspiration behind Project 61?
Jeremy Reymer reflected on his own health, family, and desire to watch his children grow up. He referenced the finding of drivers’ significantly lower life expectancy.
Reymer notes: “It’s not a new statistic, but as an industry, we’ve largely buried our heads in the sand rather than let it sink in and take action. After more than 20 years in trucking, I’ve seen the human side of that number, too many drivers passing away while still on the job.
I realized I could either keep looking away, or I could leverage the network and influence I’ve built in this industry to make a difference. That’s why Project 61 was created: to finally confront this crisis and work toward changing the trajectory of drivers’ lives.”
Dr. Manera adds: “Our dream is to change the way the trucking industry thinks about driver health — creating a world where driving a truck and keeping our country moving doesn’t shorten their life, but helps them thrive.”
What all does Project 61 have to offer?
Beyond the movement it has created, Project 61’s app offers many resources to help drivers along their different health journeys. Dr. Mark Manera gives us a closer look at what the free mobile health app offers:
- Daily workouts and stretches drivers can do in the cab, outside the truck, or at home, with no gym required.
- Weekly health habits broken down into bite-sized, realistic steps. Not just telling drivers what to do — but showing them how to do it at a truck stop, fast food restaurant, or anywhere life on the road takes them.
- Monthly group challenges that bring the entire community together. Project 61’s first industry-wide challenge kicks off October 1st, 2025 with a 61-Day Step Challenge, helping drivers see they’re not alone in this journey.
- Everything is built around one goal: helping drivers build small, sustainable lifestyle changes that last, while connecting them to a community that has their back.
Are you a driver or carrier in the industry? Download the app:
What does it take to keep Project 61 going?
Next, our team had a candid conversation with Reymer and Manera about what, specifically, it takes to keep this initiative going.
Reymer states: “Like any nonprofit, we rely on financial support — whether from individual donors, corporate partners, or other industry organizations that believe in our mission. But it also takes drivers engaging and sharing their stories, and it takes awareness, people willing to talk about this crisis instead of ignoring it.”
Dr. Manera continues, saying: “To add to Jeremy’s point, Project 61 isn’t just a nonprofit, it’s a movement that everyone in trucking can get behind. Drivers are the lifeblood of this industry, and it’s time their career stops cutting years off their lives.
What keeps Project 61 going is unity. It takes carriers, vendors, insurers, and every company that relies on drivers to step up with financial support, yes — but also lending their voices to raise awareness and show drivers they’re not alone. When the industry rallies around this cause, we’re not just extending lives, we’re rewriting the culture of trucking for the better.”
Looking to make an impact on yourself? Look no further. Donate to Project 61 here to help improve the lives of our nation’s drivers!
You can also take The Trucker Health Pledge!
What's a message you have for any truck drivers out there who are concerned about their health?
Both Jeremy Reymer and Mark Manera have sound advice for any driver with health concerns.
Reymer reminds drivers: “You’re not alone — the challenges you face are real and shared by drivers across the industry. Small steps, choosing better food, moving a little more, prioritizing sleep, really do add up. Most importantly, remember your WHY: your health matters not just for you, but for the people who love you and want you around for years to come. Project 61 is here to support you and remind you that you don’t have to go it alone.”
Dr. Manera weighs in as well, also saying: “You’re not alone, and the small choices you make really do compound. What I’d add is this: stop looking at ‘being healthier’ as a 30-day sprint or crash diet. Think of it as your new normal, something you’re building for the next 30 years of your life, not just the next 30 days.
When you approach your health like a long-haul run instead of a quick trip, the pressure to be perfect disappears. Miss a meal, slip for a week — it’s nothing in the span of your whole life. What matters is getting back on the road. That mindset shift, from quick fixes to lifelong change, is how drivers rewrite their health story.”
Project 61 Fuels the Way Forward
Our time with Jeremy Reymer and Dr. Mark Manera shows that, even in the fast-paced world of trucking, there are always opportunities to create meaningful change. Their work proves that even the toughest challenge can be met with innovation, empathy, and persistence.
Lasting progress, however, depends on industry leaders being willing to take the first step. Project 61 reminds us all that the health and well-being of drivers is an industry-wide responsibility.
If you would like to donate to Project 61, you can do so here.
Looking to join the movement yourself? Take The Trucker Health Pledge today!
Download Project 61’s app as a truck driver or for your fleet!