Trucking Industry Information
The trucking industry is very important to the working economy of our country. They are primarily responsible from transporting the raw materials from their source to the manufacturers, and then the finished goods to places where they are needed. Many different types of vehicles are used in this industry, and they all play an essential part.
Trucks are driven by drivers who are called truckers. A person wishing to take up trucking should be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across different states. He has to clear a Department of Transportation mandated physical test. Additionally he should also clear a drug and alcohol test.
To obtain this commercial license, a candidate trucker must take both a written and driving exam to demonstrate the following: ability to read and follow traffic signs and signals; ability to complete Department of Transportation forms; comprehension of rules and regulations pertaining to the safety of commercial truck operation.
The Department of Transportation regulates the amount of time drivers are allowed to operate their vehicles per day with rules known as ahours of servicea. This was devised in the interest of keeping drivers rested and avoiding accidents. Operators of commercial vehicles may drive for 11 hours, after which they are required to rest for ten hours. All drivers are to keep a log of their activity each day, broken down into 15 minute segments.
Compensation for truckers varies from specific job to job, and increases with experience. An entry level driver can usually expect to make $30,000 a year, quickly increasing to $50,000 to $60,000 a year with only a couple of years of experience. As in any industry, different companies offer varying wages based upon driving record, recommendations, type of truck, and difficulty of job. Some companies offer full benefits or bonuses.
Trucking industry is facing an acute shortage of long haul drivers. Trucking companies have started recruiting retired military veterans, minorities, women and people who want a second career. There are many openings for class a truck driving job as well as otr driving job listed on the net. Due to the shortage of truck drivers companies are coming out with new ideas to lure more people to driving jobs.
To hire more truck drivers some companies have started allowing the driveras spouse or pet for the ride. Middle aged husband and wife teams are getting popular as teaming up eases the grind of long haul and reduces the time away from home. This is working out well for the companies as well as the drivers.
Trucking industry is a vital part of any economy. Any restriction on truck travel will have serious implications on the economy like decrease in availability of medicines, food, vegetables, consumer goods, fuel, cash from ATMas, waste disposal and raw materials for manufacturing companies.
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