The pilot project sees Freightliner’s trainees swapping a truck simulator for a real vehicle – a move which the company says will better equip them for driving its 44-tonners when they are qualified.
ATE converted a used MAN TGS 26.440, supplied by sister company Asset Alliance, into a short-wheelbase rigid in specific dimensions for transporting maritime containers.
“We wanted to add real-life 26-tonner experience to our driver tuition as there’s no substitute for hands-on training, so were keen to buy a truck as a pilot project,” says Richard Branston, Freightliner’s general manager.
“The team at ATE suggested we convert a used truck instead of buying new, which has proven incredibly cost effective.
“ATE
worked closely with us to specify the short-wheelbase conversion exactly to our
needs, including fitting twist-locks on the body to secure containers.”
Branston
adds: “The industry-wide shortage of commercial vehicle drivers is a well-known
fact, and this pilot project is part of Freightliner’s response to that
challenge.
“We
hope to extend the project in coming years, and wouldn’t hesitate to use ATE again
to add more specialised training trucks to our fleet.”