Schneider Incorporating Simulators to Train Drivers
ruckload carrier Schneider National said Tuesday it plans to change its driver training program over the next two years, incorporating a motion-based driver training simulator to better prepare drivers for on-road conditions.
Schneider will incorporate a system developed by MPRI, which makes ground vehicle and maritime simulation products and services as well as critical incident management and emergency response solutions.
The shift makes the carrier the largest and one of the first truckload carriers in the industry to incorporate simulation-based training fleet-wide, Schneider said.
“Using motion-based simulation technology allows us to train drivers for those situations that cannot safely be replicated under our current training methods,” said Don Osterberg, the carrier’s vice president of safety and training.
Osterberg said simulators can be customized by location, so drivers in training can experience what it will look and feel like to deliver loads to different types of facilities in various locations.
Schneider piloted an integrated learning model, including simulation, in September 2004. Within five months, it said it saw fewer accidents and a significant reduction in the dropout rate for inexperienced and experienced drivers, and fewer accidents.
Schneider is ranked No. 9 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.
