One of the challenging professions in heavy industries is those who are engaged in logistic jobs and transport operations. One of them is truck drivers. Truck drivers, or short haulers - operate a truck to transport materials, merchandise, or equipment within a limited area. They may load and unload the truck by hand or by using a cable-winch or hoist.

They are frequently assisted by truck-drivers helpers. They may be expected to make minor mechanical repairs. In order that their work runs smoothly, they keep their trucks in good working condition. Meanwhile, trail truck drivers haul goods and materials over long distances in gasoline or diesel powered tractor-trailers, frequently driving at night. Occasionally they load and unload their cargo and make minor repairs to the vehicles.

The transportation logistics jobs in the trucking industry began early in the twentieth century shortly after the invention of the automobile. Prior to this time, horse-drawn wagons were the major means of local distribution. The diversification of industrial processes and the improvement of highways made it necessary and possible for goods and products to be transported from one section of the country to another. As the design of transport trucks and our superhighways improved rapidly, more trucks were needed to meet the demands of the expanding population in our country. The trucking industry met these demands and has continued to grow. Moreover, the work done by local truck drivers varies with the kind of truck driven and the area in which the work is done. All local drivers, however, must be skilled drivers who can maneuver their vehicles through congested streets without accident. They must be able to pull into tight parking spaces, negotiate narrow alleys, and back up to loading platforms. Over-the-road truck drivers generally operate gasoline or diesel powered tractor-trailers, which are large and expensive. These drivers generally haul goods and materials over long distances and frequently drive at night. Whereas many other truck drivers spend a considerable portion of their time loading and unloading materials, over-the-road drivers spend most of their working time in actual driving. If, however, deliveries are made in the evening when local loading crews are not available, the drivers are sometimes expected to do their own unloading. Drivers of long-distance moving vans do more loading and unloading work than do other long-haul drivers.

As part of the jobs in logistics for the local drivers of light trucks pick up and deliver light loads. They may load and unload their trucks, but they do not normally make deliveries over an established route. Such drivers are responsible for keeping their trucks in good working condition and for reporting mechanical failures. They may be required to make minor repairs and to change tires. They are also responsible for the contents of the trucks and in addition, must check the freight bills to ensure accuracy of delivery. They are expected to provide efficient service and to turn in daily records of the transactions they have conducted. Local drivers of heavy trucks generally have someone to help them with the loading and unloading of their freight and perform duties similar to those of the light-truck driver. Some heavy-truck drivers operate such special trucks as dump trucks and oil trucks and are required to operate mechanical levers, pedals, or other equipment. Drivers of moving vans generally have a crew of helpers to aid in the loading and unloading of household furniture and office equipment.

The logistics careers of a transport driver include the transporting of new automobiles or trucks from manufacturers to dealers, usually over long distances. The transport driver drives new vehicles onto trailers under their own power and secures them in place with chains and clamps to prevent them from swaying and rolling. He drives the trailer-truck to its destination and removes the vehicles from the trailer. Over-the-road drivers must be skilled in their work. They must be able to back up their huge trailers to loading platforms. Other tasks include inspecting the truck before and after trips, preparing reports on the condition of the truck, and keeping a daily log. The skills of over-the-road truck drivers differ from those required for the operation of heavy or light conventional trucks. Trailer-trucks vary in construction, chiefly in the number of wheels and in length, and the operators of one type of truck may be required to undergo a short training period to familiarize themselves with the operation of other types. Moreover, the logistics employment of the drivers requires them to work independently with their vehicles usually involving all maintenance and repair work. They also find their own customers who need goods to be transported through advertisements or personal references. They may establish long-term contracts for shipping with one or two clients. Likewise, they must be aware of the need to be safety conscious and courteous in their work all the time.

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