What should be added to transport training? According to truckers who responded to the question on the Facebook page, several essential aspects of the training require more attention.
While responses vary, a recurring theme is the lack of hands-on experience and training related to real-world situations that drivers face daily.
Basic Mechanics
One of the most frequent requests from truckers is to include basic mechanical training in the curriculum. Drivers feel that understanding the fundamentals of mechanics would better prepare them to handle minor issues on the road. Some believe this should be a mandatory module, as these skills not only reduce downtime but also enhance road safety. Others suggest that companies should offer practical garage training for drivers who need it, providing paid training that would benefit both drivers and the industry in the long run.
Backing and Complex Maneuvers
Backing maneuvers, particularly in challenging conditions like tight spaces or blind-side maneuvers, are another key area highlighted by truckers. They note that, although current training addresses these areas, it often lacks depth or sufficient practice. Many suggest increasing hands-on practice hours in real-world contexts, with loaded vehicles in more complex urban areas. They believe that mastering these skills can help reduce time losses and frustration on the job.
Navigation and Orientation
Some instructors emphasize the importance of understanding cardinal directions and the difference between odd and even-numbered highways to better navigate routes. However, it was noted that few drivers grasp these concepts fully. In addition, the importance of route planning without relying solely on GPS was raised. While some drivers are comfortable with new technologies, they argue that using tools like maps and atlases should remain an integral part of training to avoid unexpected surprises on the road.
Civility and Courtesy
Road courtesy and teamwork among drivers is another recurring theme. Many drivers lament the decline in mutual support that was once common in the industry. For instance, slowing down to allow a fellow driver to merge back into a lane is not only courteous but also enhances overall road safety. Some drivers wish to see modules on etiquette and road civility included in the training to encourage new drivers to respect the unwritten rules of the trade.
Load Securement
Load securement and trailer loading are other areas where drivers feel the training is insufficient. Many believe that the current curriculum doesn’t dive deep enough into the art of properly securing loads, especially when it comes to specialized transportation, such as flatbeds or tankers. Some drivers suggest incorporating a full module on securement, including practical case studies involving complex loads, to better prepare them for challenges they will encounter on the road, potentially reducing the number of load-related accidents.
Ongoing Training and Transport Diversity
For many drivers, the current training provides a solid foundation but doesn’t fully reflect the diversity of transportation types they’ll encounter on the job. Many would like to see the curriculum include more hands-on experiences with real-life situations such as hauling hazardous materials, oversized loads, or tankers. They point out that such specialization is typically learned on the job but could be included in the basic training to better guide students in their career choices.
Respect and Attitude Toward Truckers
Another issue raised is the lack of respect between veteran drivers and newcomers. Many drivers feel that a gap has widened over time. New drivers often feel criticized and judged by their more experienced peers, while veterans blame younger drivers for not upholding the fundamental values of the trade. Some drivers believe that greater humility among recent graduates would be beneficial, as too many of them leave school thinking they know everything about the profession, when in reality, field experience is essential.
Selection and Qualification
Some truckers feel that the candidate selection process for training should be stricter. The notion that “anyone can be a truck driver” is seen as dangerous by many. A recurring suggestion is to introduce a more rigorous evaluation process to identify those with the true potential for the job. This process could include pre-assessments to test basic skills, motivation, and even the ability to cope with the psychological and physical demands of the profession. Another suggestion is to introduce a probationary period after obtaining the license, similar to motorcycle licenses, where new drivers would be closely monitored before being allowed to undertake long-haul trips alone.
Driving in Difficult Conditions
Many drivers emphasized the importance of practicing driving in challenging conditions, such as during snowstorms or on mountainous roads. Current training primarily focuses on driving in optimal conditions, but the reality of the job is often different. Truck drivers frequently navigate in extreme weather conditions, and the training doesn’t always reflect these challenges. They believe that simulations or real-life practice in difficult conditions would better prepare future drivers to handle such situations.
Technology and Stress Management
Another issue raised is the importance of knowing how to use technology wisely while staying focused on the road. Many veteran truckers lament that new drivers rely too heavily on GPS and other tech tools without manually checking routes or anticipating unforeseen situations. Additionally, some experienced drivers have noted the rising levels of stress among new truckers and believe that stress management techniques—such as learning how to stay calm under pressure—should be addressed during training.
Conclusion
In summary, truckers believe that while current training provides a solid foundation, it could be greatly improved by incorporating more real-world practice, a basic mechanics module, lessons on civility and teamwork, and better psychological preparation for managing stress and unforeseen events. However, they emphasize that it’s not necessarily about changing the entire training process but rather acknowledging certain gaps in the profession. Drivers argue that companies may also need to step up in providing more ongoing training for drivers after they graduate.
While initial training provides a good knowledge base, it often remains incomplete, especially for more specialized aspects like securing complex loads or handling hazardous materials. Experience and on-the-job practice are crucial to complement this training, but employers must commit to providing ongoing support to help drivers fully develop their skills.
These suggestions, according to truckers, would not only make truck drivers more competent but also better prepared for the challenges of the road.
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