Whether you are looking for a construction or trucking job, or are trained for corporate or management-level positions that deal with transport and logistics, there will always be a need for transportation-related employees.
One of the prime concerns facing many transportation employees today is dealing with issues that have been taken out of their hands yet impact them tremendously. Today things like CDL requirements, limits on hours on the road, verification of proper experience and licensure, and even fuel costs are creating great concern for many of the people who are on the front lines of the industry.
It is fuel costs that have been one of the hottest topics lately for a number of truckers. Some of the companies that are among the largest in the nation are under fire to improve pay and restructure how truckers are being paid.
Many of these trucking businesses are now looking at ways to increase the bottom line for many of the drivers who have often been asked to shoulder the burden of increased fuel costs when it occurs. Now it is becoming evident that the trucking industry is going to have to help at the corporate level to address this and many other important issues of their employees.
Before you begin applying for any of these jobs you should first do some research on what type of jobs you might be qualified for. Education qualifications for transportation trucking jobs will range from having a GED to applicants needing a master's degree; experience requirements will also vary. There are many resources that you can use for these jobs that are both on- and off-line.
TransportationCrossing is one of the largest online job posting boards for this type of work. This site and others that are similar can help you find out what job might be right for you. It is also these same online sites that can often help you find and apply for the top open positions.
Though you might only think of a few jobs when you think of transportation department jobs, the types of jobs vary just as they do in corporations. If you perform a news search online for ''department of transportation,'' you will find stories that mostly talk of new projects and increased budgets when it comes to construction and other transportation department jobs.
In fact, one of the ways being considered to help improve the economy is to increase training and job availability for individuals who are currently unskilled. This stimulus package would include transportation department jobs.
The American Department of Transportation (DOT) was founded by President Lyndon Johnson during the mid '60s to help coordinate all areas of transportation, primarily to improve road and air travel. The DOT now consists of ten operating administrations. Each of these departments work as a separate division and also will link together with other administrations to maintain and improve all areas of transportation from the ground to the sky and sea. There is a huge opportunity for career placement and advancement within this organization.
It is well known that the trucking and warehousing industry will always need new employees. Most work for truckers is full-time and about 1 in 10 truckers is a union member. The wages and benefits for these jobs will vary based on the employer, region, and type of truck driving that is being done.
There are essentially three basic types of vehicles that truckers drive: heavy/tractor-trailers, light/delivery trucks and school buses. Among these three types, the heavy and tractor-trailer trucks offer the most jobs, and currently there are around half a million.
To get a job in transportation trucking, you must be at least eighteen, pass a written exam, and have a solid driving record. Depending on the location, you may also require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from the state in which you are employed.
The most money for many truckers will be made in long-haul truck driving with routes generally ranging hundreds of miles in distance per day. While the work can be steady, it can also be quite grueling. Many who enter transportation jobs which require being behind a wheel often underestimate just how difficult long-haul driving can be. Along with handling a very large vehicle, there are several other skills necessary to be successful in all types of transportation trucking.
If you are responsible for planning your own routes, you will need the skills to determine the most efficient route, the ability to find new places easily, and the ability to avoid areas where your truck may not be able to fit or is not allowed to travel. Even if you have a route planned, you still need to be able to read a map very well in order to keep on track and to not get lost or waste time.
Time is money and good time management is essential when you need to plan a delivery deadline. Sometimes you must plan several days ahead if you are working long-haul trucking jobs. If you cannot manage your time well and also fail to figure in weather and route specifics, you will be late for deliveries. Truckers are also often responsible for job-related expenses. This can be a burden, even if they are reimbursed later. This means always having money for tolls and other fees when needed.
In addition to these basic skills, strong communication skills and a good attitude are also very helpful. As a truck driver, you will need to work in a professional manner with dispatchers, motorists, law enforcement, and everyone else you encounter. This also requires a good deal of patience as you wait in traffic or slow down to deal with inclement weather.
As with any job, you will need to consider if a transportation job is right for you at the start. Just because you are able to drive a truck doesn't mean you will be able to deal with the stress and boredom that can come with days alone on the road.
Just because you can drive a school bus doesn't mean you can do so safely with a busload of screaming kids. While jobs in transportation will always be available, it is important to do your research and find a job for which you are a good fit. Transportation department jobs are varied and each comes with its own set of necessary skills and experience.
