Schneider, a provider of trucking, intermodal and logistics services, recently debuted a new remote truck driver orientation program it says ensures new drivers continue to receive high-quality onboarding while social distancing in a safe and secure environment.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began earlier this year, Schneider also responded with other new methods for enhancing driver safety. Initial measures included:
- Providing drivers with single-occupancy lodging for the duration of orientation
- Prescreening drivers for symptoms before they arrive in the classroom
- Implementing social distancing in the classroom, during meals and around the truck
- Thoroughly disinfecting trucks between use by drivers
- Supplying hand sanitizer, gloves, masks and sanitizing wipes to drivers
- Providing grab-and-go groceries at Schneider facilities
- Keeping drivers informed through in-cab tablets
The remote orientation experience ensures all drivers remain socially distanced while receiving the same standard curriculum. The company currently offers remote orientation programs at eight sites. One site in Charlotte NC is dedicated for owner-operators who lease their business with Schneider, while the remaining seven are for newly hired company drivers of all experience levels. These locations include:
- Phoenix AZ
- Indianapolis IN
- Gary IN
- Atlanta GA
- Dallas TX
- Carlisle PA
- West Memphis AR
“COVID-19 may have changed many things about how we live and operate, but it hasn’t changed Schneider’s commitment to our core value of safety first and always,” said Tom DiSalvi, vice president of safety, driver training and compliance at Schneider. “The remote orientation program allows new drivers to experience the same high-quality onboarding program that we have been delivering for decades—just in a socially distant setting.”
Drivers who complete orientation remotely do so from a large conference room at a hotel near one of the participating Schneider training facilities, the company said. Remote participants are given Chromebooks so they can follow along with the same course and instruction that is being presented in person by an instructor at the Schneider Training Academy. Additionally, Schneider designates driver training associates to remain on-site at the hotel for help if needed.