Graduate Degree/Major: MS Career and Technical Education Research Adviser: Howard Lee, PhD ...

81 Pages·2008·2.45 MB·English

Evaluation ofa Class A Commercial Truck Drivers

Training Program at the Eagle Company

by

Carl Sallander

A Research Paper

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment ofthe

Requirements for the

Master ofScience Degree

In

Career and Technical Education

Approved: 2 Semester Credits

Dr. Howard Lee
The Graduate School

University ofWisconsin-Stout

December 2007
II
The Graduate School

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI

Author: Sallander, Cari A
Title: Evaluation ofa Class A Commercial Truck Drivers Training Program at the
Eagle Company
Graduate Degree/Major: MS Career and Technical Education
Research Adviser: Howard Lee, PhD
MonthlYear December, 2007
Number of Pages: 81
Style Manual Used: American Psychological Association, 5th edition
ABSTRACT
The transportation industry continues to grow as does the shortage ofcommercial class A
truck drivers. In order to stay competitive in the recruitment ofcommercial truck drives the
Eagle Company created a company training program for new and inexperienced truck drivers.
The goal ofthe study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the company training program, and to
determine if the training was standardized.
The instrument used to collect the necessary data was a 30 question survey. The survey
was administered to a group of 14 in April 2006 after classroom training and again three months
later after road training. The objectives ofthe study were: (1) Determine ifthe drivers training
program at the Eagle Company is consistent for all participants; (2) Identify participant's
satisfaction with the training program; (3) Identify ifleaming has occurred as a result ofthe
training; (4) Determine if the trainee's competency changed due to the training program; (5)
III
Determine ifthe results of the training program assisted in the drivers performing their jobs at
the Eagle Company.
Data was collected and analyzed, based on the results recommendations were made to the
Eagle Company regarding the training. The research objective were achieved for this study and
recommendations submitted.
IV
The Graduate School
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI
Acknowledgments
Graduate school has been one of the most trying, yet rewarding, journeys I have ever
taken. I did not believe I could actually accomplish this fete, and I would not have without the
help and support of, my husband, my parents, and advisor. Thank you to Joel, my supportive and
resilient husband, for handling with love and support, my stress and passionate Mediterranean
temperament. Thank you to my parents, Jim and Arlene Mulhausen for all your support and
instilling in me the concept that I can do anything. Thank you to Dr. Lee for guiding me on this
incredible journey, with your wisdom and patience. I could not have done it without all of your
help and direction.
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS

....................................................................................................Page

Abstract.
.ii

List ofTables :
viii

Chapter I: Introduction ,
1

Statement ofthe Problem 2

Purpose ofthe Study 3

Research Objectives 3

Significance ofthe Study .." , .3

Assumptions ofthe Study .4

Limitations ofthe Study 5

Definition ofTerms 6

Methodology , 7

Summary 7

Chapter II: Literature Review 8

Introduction 8

Importance ofTraining in a Work Environment 8

Purpose andDefinition ofEvaluation 9

Types ifEvaluation and Assessment 10

Evaluation Methods '"
11
Evaluation Studies
14
Selecting an Evaluation Method
15

Kirkpatrick's Model of4 Level Evaluation .."
15
VI
Summary 20

Chapter III: Methodology
.21
Introduction
21

Training Program "
21

Subject Selection 25

Instrument " 25

Data Collection Procedures 26

Data Analysis 26

Limitations 26

Summary 27

Chapter IV: Analysis ofResults 29

Introduction 29

Survey 29

Analysis and Discussion 30

Open Ended Question Analysis .46

Summary 50

Chapter V: Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations 52

Summary 52

Conclusions " 53

Recommendations
58

References
62

Appendix A: Consent Form
67

Appendix B: Survey Instrument.
68
vii
Appendix C: Competency Checklist 70
Vlll
LIST OF TABLES

Table #1 Facility Suitability
31

Table #2 Training Goals and Objectives
31

Table #3 Presentation and Delivery
32

Table #4 Handouts
33

Table #5 Training on Schedule 33

Table #6 Training Encouraged Participation 34

Table #7 Training Addressed Important Skills 34

Table #8 Trainer. 35

Table #9 Positive Impact. 35

Table #10 Primary Objectives 36

Table #11 Clear Instructions 37

Table #12 Clear Orientation Manual. 37

Table #13 Breaks 38

Table #14 Flow ofInformation 38

Table #15 Hands On Activities 39

Table #16 Interesting Information 39

Table #17 Good Balance 40

Table #18 More Videos 41

Table #19 More Lecture
41

Table #20 More Hands On Activities
.42

Table #21 More Handouts and Written Material.
42

Table #22 More Discussion
.43
IX
Table #23 Consistent Information .43

Table #24 Prepared to Use Knowledge .44

Table # 25 Adequate Orientation Material, 44

Table #26 Comfortable Performing Job .45

Table #27 Goals Met. , 45
1
Chapter I: Introduction
In a recent report conducted by the American Trucking Association, there is an increasing
need for long haul truck drivers. Currently 3.4 million commercial drivers envelop the United
States highways (Cecil, 2005). That number is still 20,000 drivers short ofwhat is needed and is
expected to grow to 111,000 by 2014 (McLaughlin, 2005). Indicators illustrate an increased
growth oflong haul truckingrequirements as a result ofthe continuedneed for movement of
product (Kilcarr, 2005). In 2003 alone, the industry hauled 9.1 billion tons ofdomestic freight,
representing 69% ofthe total tonnage shipped (Cecil, 2005). The United States economy relies
heavily on the trucking industry, which is continually hauling about three quarters ofall United
States goods (Seid, 2005). With this type of economic growth and the need for shipments
expanding, employers face severe shortages in skilled drivers that meet their employment needs.
Now, more than ever, businesses need to focus on ways to streamline procedures in the training
area and provide cost efficient ways to deliver quality training to their employees.
Trucking firms want quality drivers who are safe and experienced to help keep insurance
premiums low. These quality drivers are created through experience and hours behind the wheel
(Mahon, 2005). Ifthe economy continues its upward swing, fmding creative ways to meet
demands of low cost, long haul services, will take a back seat to addressing the growing driver
shortage (Levans, 2004).
The Eagle Company, along with many other companies whom currently employee
commercial truck drivers, are facing a current and future shortage ofqualified drivers. The Eagle
Company has set certain standards in their hiring practices, including one year recent over the
road tractor-trailer experience and/or have driven 100,000 miles. Many ofthe applications