Fleets that train and engage their truck drivers with a view to the long haul can empower these essential professionals with the knowledge and insights they need to succeed, day after day and mile after mile.

Taking such a “lifelong learning” approach to managing drivers can help a fleet drive down the cost of everything from retention and recruitment, to risk management (including CSA scores), to equipment maintenance and even vehicle fuel costs.

“As a training organization, our mission is to train drivers so they have a safe and rewarding career in the trucking industry,” remarks James Patterson, director of the commercial division for consultancy PHH Arval’s Center for Transportation Safety.  “Without a doubt, fleets should take a lifelong learning approach to training all their drivers.”

Patterson contends this is needed, on the one hand, because “newer drivers are not as familiar with the equipment the company is operating, and they haven’t had the opportunity to understand the full scenarios of their job duties.”

On the other hand, he figures the lifelong method applies just as well to experienced drivers who “often become lackadaisical in their approach.  Continuously reminding them of the right safety driving methods is helpful in keeping them safe” as well as protecting the motoring public and reducing the fleet’s risk exposure.

“When a lifelong approach is taken, it helps reduce the liability to the carrier over the long term,” Patterson emphasizes.  “It’s important that companies keep their CSA scores low, and continuous driver training reduces the risk to safety, helping keep those scores down.”

No one claims authorship to the book on lifelong learning for drivers.  But in discussions with Fleet Owner, top managers at six progressive fleets relate how implementing this concept is helping ensure their drivers accomplish their critical mission in the safest and in the most efficient, productive and satisfying manner possible.

Fleet Owner, June 2014