Goal

To develop and demonstrate a cost effective, easily applied blended curriculum incorporating multimedia electronic learning and group sessions to convince new entrant motor carriers to adopt a safety culture before they receive their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. This builds on lessons learned from the applied 2005−06 and 2010−12 voluntary, instructor-led classroom training that was developed to foster adoption of a safety culture by new entrants.

Background

The 2005−06 and 2010−12 instructor-led classroom training fostered adoption of a safety culture by new entrants. The final report documenting those research projects provides an outline of how a blended curriculum, including electronic learning and testing, should be developed and applied to train and test knowledge proficiency and other requirements to ensure that applicant new entrants understand applicable regulations prior to receiving an interstate USDOT number. A detailed report describing findings from the previous research is being finalized for publication. The new curriculum will combine the strengths of both electronic multimedia training and testing and peer group involvement.

Summary

To meet a requirement mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21), FMCSA is sponsoring the development of a blended curriculum designed to foster a safety culture in new entrant motor carriers. It is envisioned that this blended curriculum will be proctored at training facilities. It is proposed that this curriculum could be standardized in order to meet the MAP-21 mandated requirement for a proficiency exam and other requirements as necessary to ensure that new entrants understand the safety regulations before they are issued an interstate USDOT number.

Outcomes

This research will provide a model blended curriculum that will be available for adoption/incorporation by training providers.

Milestones

May 2013                 Purchase request approved to acquire support to
                                 develop blended electronic training and testing
August 2013            Interagency agreement (IAA) with the U.S. Army
February 2014         Cooperative agreement with the University of Central
                                 Florida
November 2014        Beta test plan
January 2015           Modify IAA with U.S. Army to add funds for beta test
February 2015          Final blended training and testing module for beta
                                  field test
October 2015           Complete beta test
December 2015        Final report from beta test of blended curriculum

Funding

$400,000

Status

IAA awarded to Army Research in September 2013. Cooperative agreement with the University of Central Florida was executed in February 2014. Blended curriculum will contain many recommendations for meeting the MAP-21 new entrant requirements. Draft curricula materials in review. Plan for beta test being reviewed.

Contractor

IAA with the U.S. Army and University of Central Florida