UPS trains drivers at its own training center in Cologne

At the package and express service provider UPS, new drivers from Germany and Switzerland first undergo training at their own training center called “UPS Integrad^®” in Cologne. During this training, new employees are educated in driving, driving behavior, ergonomics, and service. The training consists of a theoretical, interactive part, driving on their own closed course, and driving on the road. At the end of the training, there is a certificate.

By: Andreas Müller

(Köln) Those applying to be drivers at UPS and who are deemed suitable are not simply sent out onto the road. The staff must first complete training at the company’s training center in Cologne. Future delivery drivers undergo training in various stages, starting with a theoretical component. This is supported by interactive learning methods, including videos and simulations on screen. In a further theoretical part, ergonomics are emphasized, and finally, it’s time to get into the vehicle. First on the closed, company-owned training course and then on the road.

UPS directly employs the drivers who are trained. Mathias Lieschke, head of the UPS training center in Cologne, states: “We generally do not train the staff of contractors, at least it is not a requirement. That is the responsibility of the respective partner companies, which receive clear guidelines.” However, the training center is open to delivery drivers from contracting companies, and some have already taken advantage of this opportunity.

Interactive training on screen

New employees first receive initial impressions of UPS’s expectations for its drivers in the theory room. Modern and interactive learning programs provide these first insights. With videos and other content, the upcoming UPS drivers complete their first learning units. Knowledge is continuously tested. Trained instructors accompany the courses from the beginning and patiently impart their knowledge to the new staff.

Ergonomics are highly valued

In the second step, still in the hall, the new UPS drivers learn how to behave ergonomically in their daily delivery routines. A pre-loaded vehicle is available for this training. Even later in practice, UPS drivers take on a pre-loaded vehicle that is sorted according to specific criteria. Heavy packages are placed at the bottom, allowing them to be pushed to the end of the vehicle without lifting and then loaded onto a sack truck. The sack truck is standard equipment for a vehicle.

Holding onto the grab handle when exiting greatly relieves joints and back. A pressure plate indicates the pressure.

The driving staff enters and exits the vehicle exclusively through the right door. A grab handle is installed on the side, and trainees are instructed to always use it when getting in and out. To illustrate the effects, a pressure plate simulates and measures the pressure created with or without holding on. The difference is enormous. This way, the new drivers immediately see why it makes sense to practice something that is actually trivial. Especially since the last step is still a good distance above the ground.

Still in the hall, slippery conditions, such as ice or wet leaves on the ground, are simulated on a specially prepared area. All drivers receive adjustable overshoes with specially prepared soles from UPS. However, learning to walk correctly is also essential. The key is in the steps. “Shuffling steps, as exaggeratedly said, like penguins, provide the greatest possible safety,” explains Lieschke.

Walking on slippery surfaces can be learned.

First units in the vehicle on the closed training course

The theory learned in the dry practice room is then solidified on a specially constructed and closed course. Gentle driving, proper driving behavior (looking over the shoulder, etc.), correct behavior when getting in and out, locking the vehicle when leaving, delivering and handing over documents and packages—all of this is now thoroughly practiced in practice. Always accompanied by a trainer, who records everything with a rating list.

Many small details make it easier for the driving staff to focus on what is essential. For example, there are no more keys for the vehicles. Delivery drivers receive a wristband with an electronic key to open and close the vehicle.

After the theory, practice is trained on the company-owned course.

Finally, it’s out on the road

Once theory and practice on the course are completed, it’s time to hit the road. Due to the lack of real assignments, it’s not about delivering but about driving behavior. The drivers explain every single thought process during the drive to the trainers. This way, the trainer can also understand why the individual driver behaves in a certain way and can intervene or provide advice accordingly.

Once the driving staff has overcome every single hurdle of the training, they receive a certificate.

The training center is also used for other purposes

The training center in Cologne is practically used around the clock. Lieschke: “In the evening, employees from the nearby UPS package center at Cologne-Bonn Airport train. They primarily learn the correct handling of loading air freight containers. The HUB in Cologne-Bonn is, by the way, the largest UPS facility outside the USA and the second largest in the world.

About the training center “UPS Integrad^®”

UPS Integrad® in Cologne is the first UPS delivery training center in Europe. There are a total of 13 such training facilities worldwide. In addition to Cologne, there are 11 centers in the USA and another in Great Britain.

Background

The UPS Integrad was conceived in 2005 when UPS received a grant of $1.8 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to study the learning behavior of young people in an increasingly computerized world. Incorporating the study results, UPS subsequently collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Virginia Tech, and the Institute for the Future (IFTF) to develop next-generation training centers, the first of which opened in 2007 in Landover (Maryland, USA). To date, more than 20,000 participants (new drivers and also supervisors) have completed UPS Integrad training at the thirteen existing training locations in the U.S.

The training center “UPS Integrad^®” in Cologne in numbers

Location: 51149 Cologne-Westhoven

Investment volume: 750,000 Euros

Methods: 3D simulations, e-learning, seminars, training in model city

Number of trained individuals:

• 2078 delivery drivers since June 2016
• 419 management employees
• 472 participants in module training for professional drivers (as a state-recognized training facility)

Country companies: Currently: Germany, Switzerland

Group size

• 24 for driver training
• 12 for management training
• 10 for online training

Building area: 1,300 m² – outdoor area 3,200 m²

Integrad Manager: Mathias Lieschke, Manager UPS Integrad® Germany

Employees: 5

Photos: © UPS