In the latest measure to protect its drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Schneider has unveiled a new remote truck driver orientation program to deliver its onboarding process while practicing social distancing.

When the pandemic first hit, Schneider implemented a number of methods for improving driver safety, including:

• Single occupancy lodging for the duration of orientation

• Prescreening drivers for symptoms before training

• Social distancing in the classroom, during meals, and around the truck

• Disinfecting trucks between drivers

• Supplying hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and sanitizing wipes

• Providing grab-and-go groceries at Schneider facilities

• Keeping drivers informed through in-cab tablets

The company currently offers remote orientation programs at eight sites: Phoenix; Indianapolis; Gary, Indiana; Atlanta; Dallas; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; West Memphis; and Charlotte, North Carolina, which is a site dedicated for owner-operators who lease their business with Schneider.

“COVID-19 may have changed many things about how we live and operate, but it hasn’t changed Schneider’s commitment to our core value of safety first and always,” said Tom DiSalvi, vice president of safety, driver training and compliance at Schneider. “The remote orientation program allows new drivers to experience the same high-quality onboarding program that we have been delivering for decades — just in a socially distant setting.”

Drivers who complete orientation remotely do so from a conference room at a hotel near one of the participating Schneider training facilities. Remote participants are given Chromebooks to follow along with the same course and instruction that is being presented in person by an instructor at the Schneider Training Academy. Additionally, Schneider designates driver training associates to remain on-site at the hotel for help if needed.