August 16, 2023
Everyday millions of drivers hit the roadways across the U.S. With all the drivers on the road, accidents can be common. In fact, there were more than 5.25 million police-reported collisions in 2020 — according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While that number breaks down to more than 14,000 accidents per day, there are ways to reduce the risk for drivers in the equipment and event rental industry. To help keep drivers safe, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers two driver training programs:
- Professional Driver Education Program (PDEP) — which focuses primarily on best practices for delivering, loading and securing equipment. PDEP was recently updated to be more modern and interactive.
- Box Truck Training — which offers in-depth training on operating a box truck, loading and unloading, and the delivery process. This course is specifically designed for those in the event rental industry.
Both training programs are designed with industry-specific information which provides a unique learning experience for all drivers.
“These programs will prepare your entire delivery team for safe and successful work. Help create a safer rental industry by checking out these comprehensive driver education programs,” says Angela Crouse, ARA director of education.
For an in-depth look, Crouse sat down with Rental Management to share more about these driver training programs.
Rental Management: When was PDEP updated and why?
Angela Crouse: PDEP was updated last year, and the new and improved version was released in October 2022. This program was refreshed to make it more modern and interactive. Gamification and engaging scenarios are included throughout. This online certificate program is designed with a choose your own adventure format which allows learners to experience “a day in the life of a professional driver.”
Rental Management: Who is PDEP geared towards in the rental industry?
Crouse: PDEP was specifically designed for equipment rental drivers and was built for all types and sizes of equipment rental companies. The choose your own adventure format makes it applicable for all sized trucks and/or trailers used by equipment rental drivers.
Rental Management: What can people enrolled in PDEP expect from the program?
Crouse: Program participants will work through three engaging modules that focus on all aspects of the driving and delivery processes. Module one includes topics such as pre-checking the delivery vehicle, proper loading, unloading, load securement, customer service and safety. Module two focuses on classes of vehicles and licenses, customer safety and defensive driving. Module three shares information on customer service and safety, familiarization, pickups and end of day routines. Upon completion, students can download a certificate in RentalU.
Rental Management: How long does the training take to complete?
Crouse: The course consists of three different modules that are approximately one to two hours each. On average, learners complete the course in four hours. Each section has a quiz, and there is an overall comprehensive exam that requires an 80 percent or higher to pass.
Rental Management: What makes PDEP one of ARA’s most-popular programs?
Crouse: PDEP is one of ARA’s most popular programs because the information is essential for equipment rental drivers. The program helps rental companies and staff reduce risks by focusing on safety and defensive driving techniques. Putting an employee through this program gives them the information they need to be knowledgeable on proper loading, load securement, and defensive driving for various types of vehicles and trailers.
Rental Management: How is ARA’s Box Truck Training different from PDEP?
Crouse: This program is specifically designed for event rental drivers and focuses on how to safely operate a box truck.
Rental Management: When was Box Truck Training launched and how has it been received by those in the event rental industry?
Crouse: Box Truck Training was launched in January 2021 and more than 400 people have purchased the program. Feedback on the program has been extremely positive and it continues to be a go-to training for event rental companies.
Rental Management: What can people enrolled in Box Truck Training expect from the program?
Crouse: The five-module program is designed with an engaging and interactive format that includes scenarios, activities, knowledge checks, and animated and live videos. Topics cover information about how to safely operate a box truck, licensing and regulations, vehicle safety and defensive driving, the delivery process, loading and unloading, warehouse safety, customer service, delivery and pick up and more. Students must pass a quiz with an 80 percent or higher at the end of each module to progress through the course. A downloadable certificate is provided upon completion.
Rental Management: How long does the training take to complete?
Crouse: The program includes five modules that are approximately one to two hours each. On average, learners complete the course in five hours. Each section has a quiz, and there is an overall comprehensive exam that requires an 80 percent or higher to pass.
Rental Management: How much does the PDEP and Box Truck Training cost?
Crouse: Both PDEP and Box Truck Training cost $99 per user. A 20 percent off discount applies to companies that carry ARA Insurance. ARA Insurance also issues a complimentary course upon yearly policy renewal. If you’re eligible for either of these ARA Insurance discounts, please email education@ararental.org prior to purchasing the program and a coupon code will be emailed to you.
Tiered pricing discounts also are available:
- 5-20 programs = 10 percent off
- 21-50 programs = 15 percent off
- 51+ programs = 20 percent off
If you meet the tiered pricing discount requirements, email education@ararental.org prior to purchasing the program and a coupon code will be emailed to you.
ARA Insurance discounts cannot be combined with ARA education tiered pricing discounts or other promotions.
Rental Management: Why is the training provided in PDEP and Box Truck Training so important to the rental industry?
Crouse: These trainings offer essential education for equipment and event rental drivers so they are informed about safety and defensive driving. The goal of these programs is to reduce risks and ensure your staff operates safely in every aspect of their jobs.
To learn more about PDEP and Box Truck Training, visit ARArental.org/learn/driver-training-programs.
