Schneider National, Inc. has announced signing an agreement with Instructional Technologies, Inc. (ITI) to provide Pro-TREAD Driver Training to its entire fleet. According to ITI, Schneider is the largest truckload carrier to adopt this program fleet-wide to date.
Pro-TREAD is ITI’s Internet version of its original TREAD-1 (“TRucker Education and Development”) program. “Pro-TREAD gives our drivers more training options, which also means we’re providing a safer, more knowledgeable fleet,” noted Don Osterberg, vp of training & safety for Schneider. The addition of Pro-TREAD gives the company a three-tiered training program consisting of trainer-led instruction at Schneider’s Operating Centers and Training Academies, simulation-based training and Pro-TREAD safety and regulatory training.
“We looked at two primary benefits: First, adopting Pro-Tread means we’re providing more safety-conscious drivers by offering them more frequent training—online. Second, we’re achieving greater productivity because our drivers can defer part or all of their in-house training to online training,” Osterberg said. “They can go through lessons at their own pace, as many times as they wish, from the convenience of their home or cab, 24/7.”
“Schneider is dedicated to providing and maintaining safe working conditions for all our associates, and proactive training is critical for us,” Osterberg added. “We are always seeking smart technologies, and then working to bring them into our fleet. Our commitment to Pro-TREAD is a good example of this: We saw its many values; we worked with ITI as a partner to customize the curriculum and to fit it into our safety culture; and now we’ve implemented it.”
According to Laura McMillan, curriculum development manager at Schneider, the company brings drivers in twice a year for “sustainment training.” Last fall, 4,600 Schneider drivers completed a Pro-TREAD lesson in lieu of attending a half-day training session. After completing the Pro-TREAD lesson, McMillan said drivers overwhelmingly approved the new training option.
More than 35 interactive lessons are available from ITI (www.tread1.com). Courses include Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, Backing, Accident Procedures, Hours-of-Service and Logbooks plus all of the federally required entry-level courses.
