Mostly, we take for granted the services, products, and goods we
access. We hardly recognize the commitment of trucking industry personnel for
making it possible for us. The number of products transported by trucks is
higher than those carried by other means of transport, such as aircraft, trains,
and ships. The trucking industry is
one of the most vital and significant industries in the transportation sector.
It represents essential support to the economy of the nation. Let us look at
some of the facts about the trucking industry that you probably are not aware
of. They are:
1.Truck-Driving
as a Profession
Truck-driving is a high-skilled occupation.
Driving a truck is a profession like any other. However, the skills required
are more than that of just any other occupation. The level of concentration and
focus expected is high. Therefore, truck drivers need to be keen all the time.
The job is quite demanding. Only a few people can handle the lifestyle and
pressure demanded of the professional. The task can be complicated at first,
but once you adapt, it becomes an exciting routine. If you are a born truck
driver, you most likely enjoy the ride rather than viewing it as a stress. The
seats have an ergonomic design to keep you fresh throughout the journey, as an
added advantage.
2.Accidents
Trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles,
thereby posing a danger on highways. The weight makes it hard to stop the
vehicle. In case of an accident, the other vehicles absorb the strain of the
impact. One of the factors that contributes to truck accidents is the physical
dimensions, which have a wide blind spot on the sides, making the other
vehicles invisible to truck drivers. Most of the crashes happen in the junction
areas. The length and weight of trucks explain why it is hard to make a turn at
such locations. The accidents are severe, causing critical injuries. According
to the experts at www.davidblackwellla
3.Payment
Many people wonder about how truck drivers get
paid. You may be surprised to find out that the payment depends on the number
of miles covered. It is vital to note that truck drivers are only allowed to
drive for a maximum of 70 hours in eight days. So, the average miles traveled
is around 3,000, at most. The wages are unpredictable, due to factors that
include traffic jams, stops, and slowdowns on the road. Also, the payments vary
from one truck driver to another. Some get paid by the mile, while others get
paid on an hourly basis. Special consideration for truck drivers is made for
those moving long-hauling vehicles with hazardous materials. Such drivers have
high pay.
4.Smarter
Driving Saves Fuel
In the recent past, trucking was one of the
industries said to consume a lot of fuel. The high consumption of fuel is one
factor that contributes to environmental pollution. The
sulfur component in diesel is one major contributor to pollution. However, the
technology offers a new way of processing diesel with less pollution. To
consume less fuel, drivers can adhere to the following:
- Accelerate at full
throttle
- Fill up at the lower-cost
stations.
- Take the shortest route.
- Minimize speed.
- Avoid unnecessary
driving.
- Invest in aerodynamics.
Policymakers and the trucking industry can do
more than the mentioned ways to mitigate the growing use of fuel. Improving
trucking fuel performance limits the number of carbon emissions to the
environment.
5.Shortage
of Drivers
The trucking industry struggles to keep up with
the demand for drivers. In nearly every nation, more drivers are needed for
freight services. Many factors contribute to this shortage. Online shopping has
gained popularity, which means packages need to be delivered on time. However,
the industry is struggling to keep up with the increased number of online
customers. The other reason to explain the shortage is that most drivers retire
at the age of 46, without a replacement. As pointed out earlier, the trucking
industry is quite demanding. Most drivers quit before long and end up seeking
jobs in other sectors.
Conclusion
Every day you see hundreds of trucks on the
road. The large number is enough evidence of how vital the industry is to the
economy. Despite the complexity, it is an integral part of the economy and one
that is taken for granted. Without the trucking industry, we would experience
food shortages. Manufacturing, banking, and fuel stations would shut down as
well. The sector touches all operations, making it the backbone of any
nation.
