Fuel-saving, safety training should be refreshed: study

MONTREAL, QC - A recent study by PIT Group has found that training in fuel efficiency and safety are only effective when it includes refresher courses, while real-time in-vehicle technologies help to reinforce good practices. "While vehicle technology designed to improve fuel economy continues to advance, driver training is the element that has the largest impact on fuel consumption," says Yves Provencher, director - market and business development. "Our studies show that various ways to train drivers - including classroom, in-cab and simulator training - all have their advantages."

SPECIAL REPORT: The early days of mandatory training

TORONTO, ON -- Darryl Robitaille belongs to a rare graduating class, one of the first future truck drivers to study under Ontario's new Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) regime. That means he had to complete at least 103.5 hours of approved training before the Ontario Ministry of Transportation would allow him to take the road test for an AZ licence to drive tractor-trailers. He failed on the first attempt. "The road test I did fine on," says the resident of Caledonia, Ontario, referring to actions like steering and backing. His challenge was with new questions linked to pre-trip inspections. "I was extremely nervous," Robitaille adds. This despite the fact that he personally completed a 200-hour training program, well above the mandated minimum introduced on July 1. But with a little extra studying he passed the test on his second attempt. Now he is looking to secure his first job behind the wheel. Robitaille can take comfort in knowing he wasn't alone.

Autonomous questions not limited to tech

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The questions surrounding autonomous vehicles are not limited to how such technology would actually work, and Rick Geller has identified a long list of related issues that have yet to be addressed.

Kinedyne to host cargo securement webinar

BRANCHBURG, NJ - Kinedyne will host a free webinar on cargo securement this month, as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance prepares for the Roadcheck inspection blitz and its own focus on cargo securement.

Driver exam crush ahead of mandatory training

TORONTO, ON -- An increasing number of would-be truck drivers are lining up for licensing tests at Ontario DriveTest centers as the province approaches a July 1 deadline to introduce Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT). The number of appointments has increased since the beginning of 2017 and was up 20% last March when compared to the same month in 2016, an Ontario Ministry of Transportation spokesman confirms. The surge was not unexpected, either. Extra examiners were trained, and more classified test slots had been allocated to respond to an increase in demand.

Industry faces time of change: Laskowski

BANFF, AB - From discussions about driver training to negotiations around the North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada's trucking industry is facing a time of significant change. And the Canadian Trucking Alliance is in the midst of it all.

Next Gen training open until March 3

TORONTO, ON - A new school term is about to begin for the Ontario Trucking Association's Next Generation program, which for the first year will also include the Business Leaders program. But the deadline to register is March 3.

Ontario’s plan to MELT

Ontario will become the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) for truck drivers, making it tougher than ever to earn a Class A licence. As of July, wannabe truckers face a minimum of 135 hours of mandatory training, including 36.5 hours in the classroom, 17 hours in yard, 18 hours behind the wheel and off the road, and 32 hours on the road. But will this bring an end to licensing mills that do little more than take tuition and create poorly trained licence holders?

U.S. plans pilot program with military drivers

WASHINGTON, DC - Young members of the U.S. military could secure a fast track to driving jobs under a pilot program being proposed by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

PMTC supports draft training standards

MILTON, ON -- The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) has added its voice to supporters of draft Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) standards proposed for Class A drivers in Ontario.

Prepare to be Schooled

A Class 1/A licence falls well short of proving that someone is ready to work as a truck driver. Ask any industry recruiter. Hang around a busy loading dock long enough, and you'll likely have the chance to pick up a few extra dollars from frustrated newbies, all eager to hand the keys to someone who can actually reverse into tight spaces. This is especially true for people who, with a minimal amount of training, managed to learn just enough to earn the licence itself.

TTSAO Launches Carrier Group, First Meeting in February

HAMILTON, ON -- The board of directors of the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) has announced the official launch of an effort to improve the education, recruitment and retention for entry level and existing professional drivers.

Humber Transportation Training Center Hits 25 Years

TORONTO -- Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning is gearing up to celebrate to the 25th anniversary of its Transportation Training Center with a career fair and open house next month. Up to 30 of the nation's top employers will be on hand to discuss a wide variety of opportunities in the trucking industry on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

CarriersEdge Expands Online Training System

MARKHAM, ON - CarriersEdge has made several enhancements to its online driver training system, offering fleets greater ability to customize and consolidate their training programs. In addition to the core library of online safety training courses, customers now have additional options for adding their own content into their personalized training environments.

C.R. England hikes pay to driver-trainers

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The company is implementing a $0.04 pay increase for all training miles driven by those who are training the next generation of drivers.