Eligibility Requirements

To participate, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be 21 years or older
• Possess a valid Class-A or Class-B Commercial Driver’s License
• Currently work as a driver of large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, straight trucks, construction trucks, or buses
• Be willing to use a simulator at VTTI’s facility in Blacksburg, Virginia
• Not experience motion sickness

Study Details

Drivers will operate one of two types of simulators during an extended study session. Please note that no actual driving on public roadways is involved. The session will last up to 17 hours, including scheduled breaks.

Participants will be video-monitored throughout the session, with recording focused on their face, hands, and the steering wheel. Additionally, participants will need to complete a series of questionnaires.

Compensation

Those who complete the entire study session will receive $975 as compensation for their time and participation.

This study is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

How to Apply

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, contact VTTI at 540-231-1277 or email cdldrivers@vtti.vt.edu. Be sure to mention the “Truck Team” study when inquiring for more information.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to advancements in commercial trucking technology while earning extra money!

Image Source: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

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What is Driver Detention?

Detention time, according to VTTI, refers to the time commercial vehicle operators spend waiting at shipping and receiving facilities due to delays in loading and unloading cargo. Research paints a concerning picture of its impact.

“‘Detention time’ is the time commercial motor vehicle operators spend at shipping and receiving facilities because of delays in loading and unloading cargo,” VTTI explained. “Recent reports indicate detention time is associated with reduced annual driver earnings of up to $1.3 billion, and carriers could gain up to $3.1 billion annually by eliminating these inefficiencies. Detention time can also reduce safety. Drivers who experience detention time might engage in unsafe driving to reach their destination within their hours-of-service limits, drive while fatigued, or improperly log their hours. A 2014 study assessing detention time found that approximately two out of three drivers experienced detention time every month, and 10 percent of stops went beyond two hours at the delivery location.”

Why Participation Matters

VTTI is seeking carriers of all sizes and types to help gather real-world data, utilizing electronic logging devices (ELDs) and transportation management systems (TMS). All information provided during the study will remain completely confidential. Participating carriers will receive personalized consulting reports outlining how detention time affects their fleet’s safety and operational efficiency.

By participating, carriers will play a pivotal role in shaping meaningful improvements across the trucking industry. “Your participation can help to create positive change in the trucking industry,” VTTI noted.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in contributing to the study or would like to learn more about it, please visit the official study page on the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute website, titled “Impact of Driver Detention Time on Safety and Operations.”

Help make a difference by joining this initiative to address inefficiencies, improve safety, and drive positive change for carriers and drivers alike.

Source: The Trucker

The post VTTI Looking for Carriers to Participate in Driver Detention Study: Improving Efficiency and Safety in the Trucking Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.