ITI responds quickly to customer requests for new mandatory training, certification and recordkeeping requirements in affected states
Vancouver, Washington – Instructional Technologies Inc. (ITI), providers of training solutions for the transportation industry including PRO-TREAD online training content and the Sentix training automation platform, today launched a new Spotted Lanternfly training course. New training, certification and recordkeeping requirements are now in place for drivers operating in and around quarantine areas to help address the spread of the invasive pest that is harmful to hardwoods, vineyards and hops, and other crops.
According to the Dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, the Spotted Lanternfly is "potentially the worst invasive pest since the introduction of the gypsy moth nearly 150 years ago." Pennsylvania officials have said it could cost the state $18 billion in crop damage. Pennsylvania and neighboring states are actively pursuing containment and control measures to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly to other regions. As part of those measures, drivers stopping in the quarantined areas must be trained and perform inspections. The rules apply to any driver who stops to deliver or pick up a load, take a rest break or buy fuel in a quarantined area.
“Several of the largest private fleets and commercial trucking companies asked us to develop a driver course in response to new requirements for training, certification and recordkeeping related to the Spotted Lanternfly problem,” said Roy Broomfield, training development specialist at ITI. “We responded with the industry’s first training for commercial drivers and the ability to use our Sentix platform to meet recordkeeping requirements.
“Trucking plays a key role in helping to control this growing infestation by training drivers to identify the bugs and larvae and keep them from moving on vehicles or in products,” Broomfield added. “Of particular concern this season are Christmas trees that are transported across the country. With this new course, our customers are able to rely on us to use our subject matter and training expertise to meet their needs.”
The Spotted Lanternfly is an Asian moth that was initially found in Berks County, Pennsylvania and has since spread to other states. Several counties in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia are now under quarantine. Pennsylvania and New Jersey have begun requiring mandatory driver training, and inspection, certification and control measures. In addition, two-year recordkeeping requirements are also in place.
The Spotted Lanternfly course for drivers is available per lesson for Sentix or Legacy PT users and ITI resellers, or per seat for an entire fleet. ITI is known for its highly effective mastery learning training strategy, an instructional method by which the student must 'master' each subject before moving to the next subject.
