The trucking industry plays an integral part of the economy. \u00a0The industry helps transport large quantities of finished goods or raw materials to and from manufacturers for retail distribution, sustenance to works in progress such as mining, construction of roads and buildings.\u00a0 They also help ferry construction materials or waste, moving portable concrete mixers and many other indispensable functions.<\/p>\n
The invention of trucks took place during World War I, prior to which goods were hauled via horse-drawn carriages or trains. However, an increase in paved roads witnessed the birth of the trucking industry in the 1930\u2019s, prompting the introduction of safety regulations, driving hours, and the number of days a driver would operate a truck. An influx in freeway and highway networks linking cities across continents has contributed to the substantial growth of freight transportation via trucking, the current dominant force within the freight industry.<\/p>\n
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This vital freight tool which is paramount to the warehousing and manufacturing industry is governed by a set of rules and regulations which control the hours of operation and education requirements for drivers. Large trucks can only be operated by individuals who hold a commercial driver\u2019s license and have undergone the relevant training and education, coupled with adequate handling capabilities knowledge in regards safety procedures while traveling within interstate routes. Transport bodies which govern the trucking industry in relation to freight have their own sets of regulations as proposed by the Department of Transportation.<\/p>\n
Developments in computer technologies have upgraded the trucking industry via the use of tracking devices, the internet, satellite communication, and automatic transmission, within trucks. This has greatly improved the industry by enhancing the level of communication, productivity in the manufacturing industry with fewer empty mile coverage and waiting time between loads, exploration of new opportunities in sales and marketing, minimizing the driver\u2019s effort and hauling time spent, while providing accessible entertainment to the drivers who spend most of their time ensconced within the trucks.<\/p>\n
The introduction of bio diesel, a non-toxic biodegradable diesel fuel and a derivative of vegetable soybean oil (or recycled grease gathered from restaurants), has further contributed to the reduction of the greenhouse effect which was previously witnessed with diesel exhaust associated with sulfur and nitrogen oxide emission, both dangerous carcinogens. To further control the emission problem, truck drivers are being advised to avoid unnecessary engine idling to downgrade air pollution and preserve electricity within the driver\u2019s cabin. The introduction of power shoring facilities via the electrifying of parking facilities has completely eliminated the need for driver\u2019s to idle their engines, while the use of hydrogen fuel cells is being considered an option for the provision of clean silent power to appliances, when the trucks are parked.<\/p>\n
A continuous increase in fuel price has prompted some companies within the trucking industry to implement the use of hybrid hydraulic or electric trucks, the former storing energy within hydraulic motors and tanks, while the latter using a power source of regenerative brakes and batteries. Both the hybrid versions are capable of saving 30 to 60 percent in fuel, in comparison to conventional vehicles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"