Schneider National has signed an agreement with Instructional Technologies Inc. (ITI), of Vancouver, Wash., to provide Pro-TREAD Driver Training to its entire fleet. Schneider is the largest truckload carrier to adopt this program.

Pro-TREAD is ITI's Internet version of its original TREAD-1 ("TRucker Education and Development") program. "Pro-TREAD gives our drivers more training options, which also means we're providing a safer, more knowledgeable fleet," says Don Osterberg, vice president of training and safety for Schneider.
"We looked at two primary benefits: First, adopting Pro-Tread means we're providing more safety-conscious drivers by offering them more frequent training - online. Second, we're achieving greater productivity because our drivers can defer part or all of their in-house training to online training. They can go through lessons at their own pace, as many times as they wish, from the convenience of their home or cab, 24/7."
Currently, Schneider has a three-tiered training program, consisting of its trainer-led instruction at Schneider's operating centers and training academies; simulation-based training; and Pro-TREAD safety and regulatory training.
According to Laura McMillan, curriculum development manager at Schneider, the company brings drivers in twice a year for "sustainment training." This past fall, 4,600 Schneider drivers completed a Pro-TREAD lesson in lieu of attending a half-day training session. After completing the Pro-TREAD lesson, McMillan says that drivers overwhelmingly approved the new training option.
"Schneider is dedicated to providing and maintaining safe working conditions for all our associates, and proactive training is critical for us," says Osterberg. "We are always seeking smart technologies, and then working to bring them into our fleet. Our commitment to Pro-TREAD is a good example of this: We saw its many values, we worked with ITI as a partner to customize the curriculum and to fit it into our safety culture, and now we've implemented it."
"Just three years ago, data speed and driver access were not yet available widely enough to allow for distributing TREAD-1 via the Internet," says ITI's CEO James Voorhees. "We have lived through a real communications revolution during the past two years. Drivers carry laptops, high-speed access is everywhere, and in-cab delivery is suddenly possible through providers such as PeopleNet, GeoLogic, and DriverTech; and at all IdleAire Truckstop facilities."
ITI is also beginning to provide Pro-TREAD directly into drivers' cabs as a result of partnerships with several of the nation's leading communications and tracking providers.
ITI provides TREAD-1 and Pro-TREAD computer-based, truck-driver training to over 140 carriers, with from 15 to 40,000 drivers, delivering effective and up-to-date training 24/7. Drivers complete over 35,000 lessons per month. Carriers monitor and document their drivers' training records on the private, secure, on-line database that ITI provides to each client. This documentation can be invaluable during litigation, providing powerful Risk Management.
Drivers have a choice of taking over 35 lessons either at company terminals on ITI's free computers (TREAD-1), or anywhere/anytime over the Internet (Pro-TREAD), including via in-cab computers. Fleets may use either delivery system, or both. Courses include such critical areas as Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, Backing, Accident Procedures, Hours-of-service and Log Books, and all of the federally-required Entry Level courses.