ACC Honors Schneider Bulk for VR and simulator training
Schneider National is reinforcing safety and preparedness by integrating state-of-the-art truck driving simulators and immersive virtual reality (VR) into tank truck driver training programs. The company’s approach, which leverages driving simulators and VR technology to safely immerse and train bulk haulers on real-world scenarios, recently was recognized by the American Chemistry Council in its 2026 Responsible Care and Sustainability Leadership Awards.
The ACC Responsible Care Awards spotlight outstanding people, organizations, and initiatives that are advancing safety and sustainability with vision and innovation. Schneider’s 2026 award falls under the Responsible Care Initiative of the Year category for leadership in associate health and safety.
Schneider’s award-winning training program gives drivers hands-on experience in certain scenarios that cannot be safely practiced on the road, helping build familiarity, confidence and procedural accuracy when real-world conditions demand it, the company reported. Through the use of VR headsets, trainees are immersed in an interactive environment modeled after real Schneider equipment and operations where they practice tasks such as connecting hoses, trailer inspections, and hazard identification, preparing personal protective equipment and conducting unloading procedures.
Complementing this VR training, Schneider’s advanced simulators give drivers the opportunity to practice unique events such as mountain-grade braking and steer-tire blowouts. The program also includes spill-prevention techniques and trailer-handling best practices.
Continuously reinforcing safety and performance
By replicating real-world conditions, from driving scenarios to specialized bulk handling procedures, simulators and VR modules help drivers build confidence, reinforce safe behaviors and enhance operational readiness in a controlled environment without introducing unnecessary risk.
“By building muscle memory and decision-making skills through immersive, realistic scenarios, this training program prepares drivers to better manage risks in everyday operations,” Jason Howe, Schneider senior vice president and general manager of bulk, said in a news release. “Schneider teams are continuously learning and working to improve, which helps instill confidence and reinforce our commitment to Responsible Care principles.
“This innovative technology creates a safer way to train before the risk is real, building on Schneider’s strong foundation of bulk expertise.”
Feedback from trainees and instructors showed improvement in driver comprehension, hazard awareness, and procedural accuracy, indicating strong potential for risk reduction and enhanced readiness. Additionally, the use of advanced technology helps enable Schneider to standardize instruction at scale, supporting consistent training experiences across its network. Building on the positive feedback to date, Schneider plans to continue to explore the evolving role of simulations and VR technologies across its training network, including the introduction of new scenarios.
“Bulk shippers who are mindful of their brand choose Responsible Care certified carriers like Schneider because of its dedication to standards related to training, safety, security, sustainability and continuous improvement, helping customers operate with confidence,” the company concluded.