Kim Richardson has been in the Transportation Industry for 34 years. Currently he is the President of Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists Inc. a family owned and operated business which has won multiple awards. Under the KRTS group of businesses is Transrep Inc. and The Rear View Mirror. Kim is currently on the board of directors for the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), on the board of directors with Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC), on the membership committee of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), on the advisory board of the Women’s Trucking federation of Canada (WTFC), and in the past, Chairman of the Board for the Truck Training Association of Ontario (TTSAO) and Chairman of the Board for the Allied Trade Division of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA). Kim is a proud Husband, Dad, Grandpa and loves his community of Caledonia. He can be reached at krichardson@krway.com or phone 1-800-771-8171 ext. 201.

Columnists,Kim Richardson |
February 14, 2022

Back in the late 90’s we had a shifting simulator, a prototype developed by Eaton. Pretty straight forward, it had a seat, a shifter and a big computer monitor. You were able to enter the type of transmission, engine, tire size weight etc. We set it up in the student lounge and utilized it until it was broke and could not get parts so into the dumpster it went.

Wow have simulators came a long way since then.

Today, they are very realistic, and can be utilized in a number of applications. Three major advantages to consider simulation:

  • Cost efficiency
  • Improve in yard training – specifically backing
  • Quality – controlled training standards

Other benefits include modernization – meaning you can put your student/employees on many different configurations of tractors, trailers, transmissions and engines. This customization will be of huge value to clients looking for specific education.

The challenges you can give the users in a controlled environment is limitless. Weather, road, traffic, mountains, volume, cites, small towns, rural driving, different lanes and the list goes on.

I am of the opinion that simulation can be a great recruiting tool for people into our industry. I also believe that companies can improve their safety results.  By using simulation we can improve our driving community and help them to become the highest quality of professional drivers. We have a responsibility to the general public out on the road. Insurance companies are embracing the efforts of those organizations and companies, reducing accident costs have an effect on premiums.

At KRTS we have known the benefit of simulation but I believe COVID-19 made us take a really hard look at how we are doing business in all areas. Simulation came to the forefront and the research began.

We learned from our research that simulation offers another way to offer education and creates a safe environment for both instructors and drivers. Some key features of offering simulation education are:

  • Allows instructors to operate at a safe distance
  • There can be remote instructor supervision from a different office
  • The reporting and documentation you have access to is very valuable information

What all this brought to our conclusion is that KRTS is getting in the simulator business. We have spent months compiling data and information, we have talked to companies who use simulators all over North America. We have expanded our office here in Caledonia and that space will be 100% dedicated to our clients for simulation. The simulator has been delivered, installation and training for our team will happen over the next few weeks and then we will be ready to offer state of the art simulation training and were so looking forward to it.

Want learn more? Give us a call.

 

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Kim Richardson has been in the Transportation Industry for 34 years. Currently he is the President of Kim Richardson Transportation Specialists Inc. a family owned and operated business which has won multiple awards. Under the KRTS group of businesses is Transrep Inc. and The Rear View Mirror. Kim is currently on the board of directors for the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), on the board of directors with Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC), on the membership committee of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), on the advisory board of the Women’s Trucking federation of Canada (WTFC), and in the past, Chairman of the Board for the Truck Training Association of Ontario (TTSAO) and Chairman of the Board for the Allied Trade Division of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA). Kim is a proud Husband, Dad, Grandpa and loves his community of Caledonia. He can be reached at krichardson@krway.com or phone 1-800-771-8171 ext. 201.