Training Consistency Becomes a Fleet Management Issue

Onboarding in one place, getting a different refresher in another and being coached informally whenever procedure updates happen is possible. Training consistency can become a problem for transportation companies with decentralized teams. Safety training solutions are becoming increasingly popular since they provide a means of improving instruction consistency among routes and workplaces.

Consistency of training is not about whether training occurs. Most transportation companies deliver safety lessons and keep records of them. However, the critical point here is the delivery format, updates in case of changes in working conditions and understanding of the material among those who are supposed to use it.

Transportation work requires quick decision-making even in ordinary circumstances. Procedures like loading and unloading, checking vehicles, reporting and escalating hazards and incidents can differ significantly depending on whether drivers have consistent safety training.

Safety training solution provides a means of eliminating this inconsistency. It allows assigning modules, tracking training status and overdue refresher courses, identifying gaps in learning and much more. All of that is especially important for companies with several workplaces and using a combination of hired and contracted workforce.

However, there is a problem with the implementation of the solution. It will not result in safety improvement unless properly implemented. Training courses need to address the realities of the work. Managers need to allocate time for reinforcing the material and reviewing records before any problems appear. Otherwise, the training solution will improve only documentation, but not the safety of operations.

Moreover, fleet managers should avoid overwhelming their employees with training courses on generic issues. Drivers and other field workers are more motivated to get training that concerns the vehicles and routes they work with and clients' requirements and incidents related to their operation.

Training consistency is essential when it comes to hiring new employees. Some of them can come to the company with different levels of road experience, equipment proficiency and safety knowledge. With a common training structure, it will be easier to coach the new workers without making assumptions based on previous experience. It will also allow identifying those who require more attention before getting more responsible duties.

Finally, it is also useful for improving communication between safety and branch management teams. It is harder to notice that some refresher was missed if all records are kept separately.

The conclusion is obvious. Transportation safety training solutions have the potential to increase safety; however, they will have an effect only in case of proper implementation. Consistency is the most valuable if it influences the work of drivers, loaders and dispatchers.