Are trucking companies stepping up to really support drivers? 

In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Jason Douglass, Vice President of Operations at James H. Clark & Sons, to talk about what it takes to build a trucking industry where drivers feel respected and valued. Jason’s not just about talk—he’s spent 18 years working his way up from local delivery driver to industry leader, and he’s all about keeping it real for drivers.

Jason dives into how he’s tackling the issues that matter most to folks on the road. From launching Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to help with mental health to creating better pay and benefits, he’s focused on what makes a real difference. He also shares how Project 61, an initiative built around driver health and wellness, is setting a new standard in the industry.

Whether you’re behind the wheel, recruiting drivers, or managing operations, this conversation is about putting drivers first and making the job better for everyone.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why honest recruiting and emotional smarts go a long way in keeping drivers around.

• How EAPs are helping drivers stay mentally strong and feel supported.

• What makes Project 61 a game-changer for health and wellness in trucking

Resources:

• Jason’s LinkedIn

• James H. Clark & Sons

• HandledNow Website

• HandledNow on Facebook

• Zac on LinkedIn

• Chelsea on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (06:58) Jason’s journey from delivery driver to VP of Operations (12:45) Why trust starts with honest recruiting (19:30) Supporting drivers through Employee Assistance Programs (26:00) Project 61 and improving driver health (32:10) Why supporting drivers is personal for Jason