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Example research essay topic: Future Outlook Of Trucking - 1,543 words

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When you think of dangerous occupations, which ones come to mind? Do you think about the police officer who risks his life daily to protect persons and property? Or the firefighter who places the safety of others above his own? Those are dangerous professions, but based on the sheer numbers of lives lost, the single most dangerous profession is that of a truck driver.

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, more truck drivers died while working in 2003 than the combined total deaths of police officers, loggers, construction laborers and aircraft pilots (Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 2003, page 13). In addition to the danger of highway driving, there are increased health risks from poor diet, irregular sleep patterns, and lack of exercise.

Some call truck driving the loneliest job, and for good reason. Weeks on the road away from family and children can stress the most even-tempered person. Combine that with delays at shippers and receivers, unsympathetic dispatchers and ill-timed breakdowns and you can see why driving is so stressful. Even with the risks associated with driving, truck driving is appealing because it is more than just a job. It takes a complete lifestyle change and requires a serious commitment to be a successful over-the-road driver. If you ask the average person to describe the job of a truck driver, you would probably hear it described in simple terms such as, Truckers drive a truck and deliver freight.

If only it were as simple as that! Truck drivers have to wear several different hats. A driver must have some mechanical skills, good map reading skills, possess good time management skills, and have good people skills. A driver must possess a valid class "A" commercial drivers license (CDL). CDL applicants must pass a general driving written exam, a class "A" exam and an air brake exam. In addition, CDL holders have the option to add endorsements to their license.

Endorsements include the authorization to pull tankers, double and triple trailers, or haul hazardous materials. In addition, a driver must pass a driving test demonstrating driving ability, backing ability and parking skills. Furthermore, the driver must demonstrate a complete pre-trip safety inspection, verbally identify the parts of the truck, and describe possible malfunctions for each part. Truck driving requires specialized knowledge of air brakes systems, securing and transporting hazardous materials, calculating and conforming to various state bridge laws and safely maneuvering a 70 -foot, 40 -ton vehicle in varying terrains, traffic and weather.

Truck drivers must be familiar with numerous laws and regulations from governing agencies such as the U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and must have a working knowledge of each states highway rules and restrictions. Each driver is required to keep a daily logbook and the logbook must be kept current and comply with USDOT rules concerning hours of service.

Of course, there is always the county money, local yokel, smokey bear, or evil knievel who might be lurking over the top of the next hill ever ready to issue traffic citations or cite vehicles for equipment violations. Despite these obstacles, the life of a truck driver is much more comfortable today than it has ever been. Commercial trucks have improved suspension, steering, braking and air-ride seats and are technologically superior to the trucks of our ancestors. Many trucks are equipped with ABS brakes and automatic transmissions. An automatic transmission simplifies gear shifting and minimizes knee injuries from repeatedly pressing the clutch downward. For those who still use manual transmissions, more powerful engines allow a driver to maintain speed uphill without having to downshift as often.

Air-ride suspensions provide a smoother ride and more protection from the pounding caused by bumpy road surfaces. In addition to improved ride and handling, the amenities inside the cab are better than before. A comfortable bed, refrigerator, microwave and television are standard in most trucks. Some trucks have showers, toilets and even a small kitchen for preparing meals. Many trucks have an on-board satellite communication system that allows the driver to type messages to dispatchers or to retrieve directions to customers.

Even without a clear cellular phone signal, a driver can still reach the office when necessary. Another convenience is the availability of laptop computers. Laptop computers are becoming increasingly important for mapping functions. Some companies will pay for the computer in advance and allow the driver to make small weekly payments until it is completely paid. These accommodations make life on the road a little easier to bear. A typical driving day might begin at 2 oclock in the morning or 8 oclock in the evening.

Because of the nature of the job, a truck driver cannot maintain a regular sleeping schedule. Sometimes, a driver may sleep as much as necessary and at other times, not at all. Before driving, the driver must complete a pre-trip inspection. A pre-inspection is a detailed, systematic examination of the truck.

There are three major reasons why a pre-trip inspection is required. First, it is the law. Secondly, expensive roadside repairs can be avoided if a problem is spotted before a driver is on the road. Lastly, accident prevention is possible and legal liability is reduced. If a post-accident inspection reveals that a vehicle component failure caused the accident, the company and the driver face certain legal problems (Pre-Trip, 2004). After the pre-trip inspection is completed, the driver will update his logbook to reflect his current location and driving status, as well as calculate the available driving hours remaining.

If necessary, the driver will map out the route and stops scheduled for the day. A driver does not spend all of the day driving. Some time is spent waiting in traffic or at a shipper or receiver. Sometimes, the driver is responsible for loading or unloading trailers. The driver has the option of doing the work himself or hiring a lumper to unload the truck.

Some companies have an account with a lumping company and the driver does not have to touch the freight. Drivers are responsible for fueling the truck and ensuring that all permits and licenses are up to date. This is important because weigh stations randomly stop commercial trucks for inspection. Many times, the inspection will consist of a simple paperwork check. Other times, the inspecting officer will conduct a full inspection of the tractor, trailer and paperwork, including a logbook compliance check. It is important to maintain your equipment and keep all paperwork updated.

If the inspecting officer finds any serious safety violations, the officer can force the driver to shut down until the problem is repaired. If the officer discovers logbook violations (i. e. falsification, not updated, exceeding available hours), the officer will cite the driver and order the driver to shut down until his logbook is in compliance. The fine for a logbook violation ranges from $ 500 to $ 1500 (Menella & McConnell, 2003). Waiting affects a drivers bottom line because if the truck is not moving, the driver is not paid.

This leads many drivers to falsify their logbooks in an attempt to eliminate as much non-driving time as possible. Less waiting time logged means more money in the drivers pocket. The future of truck driving looks good. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, In addition to growth in demand for truck drivers, numerous job openings will occur as experienced drivers leave this large occupation to transfer to other fields of work, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004, Job Outlook section, para. 1).

In addition, there is currently a driver shortage. Motor carriers are finding new ways to retain the drivers they already have. For example, a truck driving school is now open in Puerto Rico that trains Puerto Ricans to drive commercially in the United States. Since Puerto Rico is a U. S.

territory, the company can send the Puerto Rican drivers into the United States without dealing with complicated immigration laws (Johnson, n. d. , para. 3). Other carriers are increasing their pay per mile, while others are enticing drivers with newer, stylish trucks and luxury amenities. Overall, the future of drivers in the trucking industry is looking excellent. Work conditions will never be perfect, but are improving as motor carriers realize that the health of their companies are reliant on their drivers. Drivers are invaluable and necessary for the countrys economy and well-being.

There is a catch phrase used in the trucking industry, which states, Without trucks, America stops. Short and sweet, it says it all. REFERENCES U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2003). Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 2003.

Retrieved December 21, 2004 from Bureau of Labor Statistics Online: web Johnson, W. , (n. d. ) Truck Driver Shortage. Retrieved from December 22, 2004 from Layover. com: web Menella, J.

E. , McConnell, J. (Mar 28, 2003). California: The land of milk and money. Retrieved December 22, 2004 from Expeditors Online. com: web Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.

S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2004). Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers. Retrieved December 22, 2004 from Bureau of Labor Statistics Online: web Oregon Trucking Associations. (2004).

Pre-trip inspection checklist. Retrieved December 22, 2004 from web


Free research essays on topics related to: truck drivers, occupational outlook handbook, bureau of labor statistics, puerto rico, u s department

Research essay sample on Future Outlook Of Trucking

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