Schneider launches fleet-wide simulator training

GREEN BAY, Wis. — North America’s largest for-hire truckload carrier will dramatically transform its driver training program over the next two years, incorporating MPRI’s motion-based driver training simulator to better prepare drivers for situations on the road.

Schneider National Inc., a premier provider of transportation, logistics and related services, will purchase simulators over the next 12 months for its network of driver training academies located across the US and Canada. Currently Schneider’s driver training program is primarily instructor-based. However, the new program will incorporate both computer and simulation training in order to expose the company’s 15,500 drivers to a broader range of on-the-road scenarios, including driving in inclement weather, handling equipment failures or navigating heavy traffic.

MPRI, with offices around the world, is a global leader in the supply of ground vehicle and maritime simulation products and services as well as critical incident management and emergency response solutions. The shift makes Schneider National the largest truckload carriers in the industry to incorporate simulation-based training fleet-wide, the company says.

“Think of it as an IMAX experience for trucking,” vice-president of Safety and Training Don Osterberg said. “In the simulator, the driver’s seat and on-screen images will move, spin and rotate to create the sensation of different driving conditions. It’s amazing how realistic simulation makes these scenarios feel.”

Osterberg notes that the simulator can even be customized by location, so that a driver in training can experience what it will look and feel like to deliver loads to different types of facilities in various geographic locations.

“When it comes to safety, we always strive to do more. Using motion-based simulation technology allows us to train drivers for those situations that cannot safely be replicated under our current training methods,” he says.

Schneider piloted its new integrated learning model, including simulation, in September 2004. Within five months, the company says it saw fewer accidents and a significant reduction in the dropout rate for inexperienced and experienced drivers and fewer accidents.

“Simulation-based training has been highly successful in the U.S. military and in the airline industry, and we now have the opportunity to apply the same training method to the trucking industry in order to reduce accidents and improve safety for our drivers and the motoring public,” said Osterberg.