Case Study: Meeting the Advanced Training Needs of National Automobile Hauling
Problem
Drivers at Virginia Transportation need advanced training to safely operate extra-long, open-car rack trailers, some extending up to 80 feet. Their know-how must include mastering precise maneuvering and heightened awareness under highly complex conditions. New hires and experienced drivers alike needed consistent and high-quality training to meet the demands of specialized auto hauling and cargo protection across the U.S. and Canada.
Solution
The company implemented Smith System’s driver safety program for all new hires and certified in-house instructors to deliver ongoing training across its regions. The curriculum, based on the Smith5Keys® and Smith System’s decades of experience in Driver Risk Management, gave the drivers practical strategies for managing tight turns, reversing large vehicles, and improving situational awareness in a demanding environment.
Results
New drivers quickly embraced the Smith5Keys and new ways to improve their skills, while seasoned drivers came to appreciate its practical value, applying these principles both on the job and in their personal lives. By integrating Smith System’s methodology into its operating culture, Virginia Transportation strengthened its commitment to safety and gave its drivers the necessary tools to elevate their performance, protecting them and their cargo.
“…[T]he fact that [Smith is] embedded in so many other companies around the world says a lot about them,” said Deanna dela Cruz, Director of Safety Compliance for Virginia Transportation. “If you’re going to invest in your fleet, you want to get the best there is.”
