Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/510235
56 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | MAY 2015 W ith a driver shortage of at least 35,000 and a turn- over rate in excess of 90 percent, the transporta- tion industry – especially the truckload sector – is searching for ways to expand the driver recruiting pool while reduc- ing its risk. This is a tall order, but technology has created new options for increasing the effectiveness and speed of training drivers at all levels of experience. Like a lot of companies, J&R Schugel uses video to train drivers, though its footage is not filmed in studios with narrators, actors and props. Rather, it comes directly from the scene of acci- dents, risky events and errant behaviors that involve its own driving force. The New Ulm, Minn.-based truck- load fleet has recording devices installed in all 450 company-owned tractors and 150 trucks powered by its leased operators and independent contractors. Just as coaches and professional athletes study game film to improve their skills and decision-making, driver managers at J&R Schugel use the video to help drivers learn how to operate more safely. The company uses Lytx's DriveCam safety program to make drivers aware of what events trigger video recordings and show them how their performance compares to the rest of the fleet. "The internal drive that we naturally have comes out when speaking with (drivers) and showing them where they stand," says Clay Merches, vice president of safety and human resourc- es. With coaching and competition, drivers are getting better at what they Online, video driver training guides new hires, reminds vets BY AARON HUFF