BPW works doctor now also treats sick truck drivers

• BPW Wiehl to become a new DocStop location
• Michael Pfeiffer: Drivers ensure our prosperity and deserve more respect
• Initiative is looking for more companies that are committed to healthy truck drivers

Wiehl, 3 March 2020 --- Dr Gunnar Heymer, works doctor for BPW Bergische Achsen KG at the company headquarters in Wiehl, will now also treat truck drivers who fall ill on the road. BPW is a member of the DocStop initiative, which provides truck drivers with medical treatment while on the road if they call the Europe-wide hotline on 00800 03627867. DocStop Chairman Joachim Fehrenkötter and BPW Managing Director Michael Pfeiffer are also calling on other companies to do more to ensure the well-being of truck drivers.

Trucks are still the most frequently used means of transport for freight traffic in Germany. According to Statista, trucks accounted for around 72 per cent of all overland transport in 2018. However, the lack of truck drivers could lead to supply bottlenecks in future. For Michael Pfeiffer, personally liable managing partner of BPW KG, this has triggered an alarm: ‘It is the truck drivers above all who keep our economy moving, literally. This not only deserves our respect, but also concrete support from the business community.’

This is why BPW is now making it possible for truck drivers to be treated by the works doctor at the main plant in Wiehl in the event of medical complaints arising on the road. Appointments are allocated via the Europe-wide DocStop initiative hotline (00800 03627867), which informs the driver of the nearest DocStop contact point. In addition, DocStop locations can also be called up via smartphone using numerous driver apps – including information on parking facilities.

‘Of course, the DocStop hotline does not replace emergency calls made to 112,’ says Dr Gunnar Heymer, ‘but we know that many drivers with health problems delay visiting a doctor because they do not know where there is a practice on their route – and besides, there’s not many practices in front of which a 40-ton truck can park.’

DocStop Chairman Joachim Fehrenkötter welcomes the company’s commitment: ‘In order to further expand our medical care network for professional drivers out on the road, we are always looking for medical practices that are prepared to treat truck drivers promptly in case of illness. The fact that companies such as BPW are opening their company doctors’ offices to truck drivers should set an example.’

Michael Pfeiffer: ‘BPW enables maximum transport efficiency with innovative technologies and mobility services. In this way, we are able to secure economic success for transport companies and tap into new potential for greater climate protection and road safety. Yet despite all our enthusiasm for technology, the industry must not lose sight of humanity. We are therefore calling on all companies to do more for the well-being of drivers. Together, we can offer greater safety and also show more respect for the driving profession. This responsibility cannot simply be passed on to politicians.’

In addition to its cooperation with DocStop, BPW is also active in the PROFI e. V. – Pro Fahrer-Image association, which aims to ensure that industry, retail, the transport sector and the general public once again appreciate professional drivers for what they are, namely one of the most important players in the logistics chain.

In its online sector magazine motionist.com/en, BPW reports on the DocStop initiative and the PROFI association.

BPW publishes details of its overall commitment to the climate, environment and society in its annual sustainability report.