Although the handling equipment technology is allowing better results and eliminating some risks, the skills of the transport operators is still a basic element, both for the success and the efficiency of the logistics in general, as for the road safety culture and accident prevention. Therefore, improving them through comprehensive and state-of-the-art training is imperative for transportation companies.
It is also critical that the operators of container handling equipment have a solid awareness of the risks and are able to recognize them.
For that, there are currently handling simulators for cargo vehicle operators, which, in addition to expanding and developing the skills of the operators and increasing their level of security, allow the construction of comprehensive security plans and modulated and customized training programs for each company.
This can be done by deepening and focusing on security concepts, risk factors and prevention practices, addressing specific topics such as blind spots, following distances, reverse movements, parking between vehicles, etc., as well as mechanical emergencies.
To this knowledge, practical exercises are added and applied in specific scenarios that allow training appropriate and necessary driving habits, but in a safe learning environment. Some simulators offer hundreds of scenarios around the world, - often including accident recreation -, so that drivers can face them and learn how to react in a most professional way.
Thus, for example, it is possible to train a specific mode (for example, driving in winter, or driving in snow), or specific moments (such as the expected post-accident performance from an operator).
These training programs contribute to environmental protection by reducing emissions and optimizing resources such as fuel, brakes, and services, thus positively affecting operating costs. In addition, the practice sessions can be considered towards the hours required by the corresponding institutions for the renewal of federal driver's licenses.
Another important benefit of this type of program is that the risk of damage and injury in handling practices is avoided, and training becomes more effective. If what you want is to prepare the operators, so they can get their work started, this tool reduces training time while increasing the rate of successful training.
Therefore, the operators are more productive since the beginning, increasing their average performance.
Another advantage is the exposition of apprentices to unusual challenges, allowing them to experience extreme situations to learn how to react and avoid risks, thus strengthening the emergency response practice.
In addition, the simulators allow access to reports, files and documents of the training completed by the operators, as well as to their statistics, providing an objective assessment of their skill and competence.
At Solistica, we have been working with road safety for years now, and we were awarded the Best Practices in Road Safety Seal for five years consecutively.
We have also developed the Mobile classroom project, an itinerant training simulator that helps to improve road safety indicators, reduce accident risks, and raise awareness about the efficient use of fuel, that is, improves the capabilities of cargo transport drivers in general. The Mobile Classroom offers an ideal tool for the operators' certification in this industry, which makes us the strategic partners of choice considering our level of specialization.
Thanks to these tools, Solistica has been awarded for 15 years consecutively the National Road Safety Award in the Primary Distribution category, and for 7 years consecutively in the Secondary Distribution category, which is granted by the National Association of Private Transport of Colombia.
In short, road simulators are a valuable tool for companies in the sector to achieve safer, more sustainable, and profitable mobility by training teams of highly professional drivers for their fleets.