Through Luma eNugget LMS, PAM Transport’s maintenance department has created multi-media training modules of its staff demonstrating how to service and repair equipment while also using video content supplied by original equipment manufacturers.
One challenge that PAM Transport initially faced was finding a better way to train technicians and track their progress to keep its shop on par with dealerships for maintenance and warranty work.
With a trade cycle for tractors at three years and 375,000 miles, Tontitown, Ark.-based PAM Transport regularly introduces new equipment technology in its fleet of more than 2,000 power units and 7,000 trailers to provide nationwide dry van truckload, intermodal, and logistics services.
In the fall of 2019, Maintenance Manager Montie Wolfinbarger consulted with the company’s IT department to find a software system to improve the process for training technicians. This led to an opportunity for Wolfinbarger to research products and present a training solution to multiple department heads.
In October 2019, PAM Transport went live with a learning management system (LMS) from Luma. The Luma eNugget LMS comes with a collection of more than 500 customizable learning modules, called Luma eNuggets, that cover relevant driver safety, compliance, and orientation topics with content in mixed mediums.
Wolfinbarger recognized that “Luma’s modern and user-friendly instructional design templates, as well as the responsive support and expertise of Luma for adult learning,” would enable PAM Transport to develop custom training for technicians to stay current with its equipment maintenance needs.
“When I reached out to Luma, they saw my vision for technician training as soon as I started talking,” Wolfinbarger said. “They wanted to know everything I needed, and they have been right there with me every step of the way.”
Within the first year of using the Luma eNugget LMS platform, PAM Transport has seen training efficiencies and learning outcomes improve for drivers and technicians. Specifically, its maintenance department has seen:
- Increases in warranty recovery: After developing custom training modules and documenting technician completions and certifications, PAM Transport has been able to perform more warranty in house and recover money for work that otherwise would go to dealers.
- Reductions in standard repair times (SRTs): PAM Transport can more quickly address exceptions to its SRTs. If a certain type of repair is above average, or not being done properly, Wolfinbarger said he can assign training or create a new module to solve the problem.
- Elimination of paper forms: PAM Transport uses Luma’s Rapid Forms tool to create a paperless orientation process for drivers and to digitize forms that technicians use to record equipment inspections. Management also recently created a digital form that drivers use to communicate directly with the maintenance department.
- Career advancement: Wolfinbarger has organized training modules into different levels to help technicians prepare to take on more job responsibilities. As a former technician, Wolfinbarger knows the value of career advancement opportunities for engagement and retention. “That to me is a huge piece,” he said.
