Posts belonging to Category Around the World Truckers

India Truckers

A quick history of Indian truckers and the Indian trucking industry.  India is a vast country with a range of geographical variations. Agricultural lands are usually located in the interior of the country far from any central cities. Most manufacturing units and industries are also located in the interiors to make use of tax exemptions, cheap land value and manufacturing costs. Both of these industries are completely dependent on good trucks and roads or a fast railway system that can ferry fresh produce, crops and manufactured goods to the cities for sale. Cities that are located close the sea can easily access fresh seafood and imported goods but all of these goods are also dependent on trucks that will haul these goods to interior cities where these goods are unavailable and have to be trucked in.

The importance of the trucking industry in India The trucking or road delivery system in India is an integral part and parcel of transport. The only other method of transportation that is comparably faster and cheaper is rail transport. But there are problems there too. Even though, rail transport is cheaper, improvements have not been made in that transport option and most manufacturing and consumer industries rely on trucking to make sure that goods reach their destination. In the last few years, India has also improved its economy, streamlined its production and improved local and national roadways to facilitate the quicker transport of goods.

Accordingly in the last decade, road freight exploded by a growth rate of 11.9% as compared to 1.4% on Rail. Roads carry more than 70% of the freight in India and it has a share of about 4.46 in the Indian GDP. At last count, India has more than one crore to three crore truckers all over the country and they frequently transport goods over into neighboring countries as well. The number of trucks that were purchased to ferry goods also increased by as much as 20% in the last decade with 36 lakh new trucks being registered in the last two decades. Impact on truckers Even though the industry is so vast, it is riddled with problems. The sheer fragmented nature of the industry means that more than Rs 2, 00,000 crores will be required to streamline the trucking sector and provide equal salaries and opportunities to truckers.

A few of the common problems seen in the trucking industry include the following- • Most trucks are owned by private operators and truckers are liable to the whims and fancies of the owners regarding salaries and transport procedures. According to the latest statistics, 89% of the truck driving industry was run by operators who owned five vehicles or less while 6% of the business and industry was operated by companies that owned 20 trucks or more. As most of the business is controlled by independent operators, this has given rise to agents who vie and bid for a transport contract by putting the lowest price possible. This would have been economically  viable but in the recent shaky economy and subsequent hikes in petrol prices; most private truckers have been facing severe losses.

• On an average, each trucker covers about 230-340 km per day which they may push to increase the distance and trips they take. This distance is also much lower than any distance covered by a trucker in a developed country due to poor roads, bad weather and no logistical support along the route. The National Highway system of India forms only 2-5% of the entire road network but is handles over 45% of the entire freight transport result in a huge backlog of trucks as they move around on the congested network. Due to the backlog, most truckers spend weeks on the road transporting goods and then returning with a full load back to their starting point. On an average, more than 37% of all trucks spend 5-8 days on a trip while 26% took about 8 days to return back to their starting point.

Average speeds vary to about 20 mph which far lower than the 60 mph average seen in developed countries with a good road connection. The good news though is that road conditions may improve with US $13billion funding in 1998 which was used to improve highways in Mumbai, to create North-South and East-West corridors and from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Silchar to Porbander. • The problem of congestion is also seen in the twelve major ports of India which handle most of the shipping that comes into India. In the year 2007-2008, the traffic at all the major Indian ports was estimated to be about 333 million tones. A part of the shipping is also relegated to the 184 minor ports which again do not have the best roadways and facilities to speed up unloading of containers. Pre-birthing delays and larger ship turnaround times in the ports are common leading to a jam with truckers who wait for the containers to unload. The large capacity of shipping jammed into twelve cities means that truckers are also perpetually delayed. •

A serious shortage of truck drivers. In India, the trucking industry and truckers are considered to be a very low-paid job with long hours and a lot of hard work. According to industry experts, in recent years, the trucking industry has improved with 5.6 million vehicles on the road but with a severe shortage of about 700,000 to about 800,000 drivers. The problem was compounded by the Ministry Of Road Transport And Highways in 2007. New rules were enforced which required all truckers to be at least Grade 10 educated for carrying dangerous chemicals like petrol and gas. For other consumer goods, drivers had to complete their education till Grade 7. This problem is steadily improving with private truck manufacturing companies taking the initiative to teach and train new drivers. As a result, large companies like Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors (which are currently the market leaders for truck manufacturing in India) have set up private driving education firms for interested candidates to train them and provide candidates with jobs.

TATA Truck India Truckers

Most popular brands of trucks in India The market leader for manufacturing and sales of trucks is currently TATA motors with Ashok Leyland chasing close on it heels. In the last two years, the huge potential in the Indian market has also lured in foreign truck makers like Daimler, MAN, Navistar and Volvo who are promising lighter and much more petrol and diesel- efficient trucks.

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Belize Truckers

Belize was until 1973 known as British Honduras. It is a Central American nation located on the eastern coast of the continent, which is also known as the Caribbean coast. It has a common border with Guatemala on the south and part of the west and Mexico to the north and part of the west. It has an estimated population of 274,000 inhabitants. The transportation industry in Belize faces major constraints in the form of a poor infrastructure. This has been partly blamed on austerity measures introduced by the government back in 2004 that led to the suspension of key capital projects. During the wet season, major roads and sections of the highways are subjected to closures due to possible damages. Big creek, Dangriga and Belize City port are the three major sea ports that serve Belize. The air transport industry is well developed with local and international air transport companies offering both local and international flights.

The trucking industry in Belize is pretty small compared to the US industry where 3.5 million truckers or truck drivers are responsible for hauling 10.2 billion freight tons annually. This represents 69 percent of the entire freight tonnage in the US according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). The Belizean Ministry of Works and Transport estimates that there are slightly over 3,000 truckers in the country. An overwhelming 80 percent are involved in the agricultural sector and particularly the sugar industry in one way or the other. Belize being relatively close to the US enjoys a higher population of US made trucks such as Peterbilt and Kenworth from Paccar, Navistar-International, Volvo and Mack from the Volvo group and Freightliner and Western Star from Daimler. There are also Japanese makes such as Mitsubishi and Isuzu.

How much do Truckers Earn in Belize?

According to the Ministry of Labor, Local Government, Rural Development and National Emergency Management, truckers in the small Central American republic earn anything from US$400 to US$800 a month which translates to BZ$800 to $1,600 (Belize dollars). This enables them to lead a pretty decent life since life in Belize is relatively cheap when compared to life in the states. Truck drivers can opt to spend the night in their cabs or rent out a room in the major towns which goes for BZ$ 20 for a night. Belize has been criticized for having outrageous fuel prices. This has something to do with their electricity which is considered to be one of the most expensive in the region. Fuel is sold in the US unit of gallon with a gallon of diesel going for anything from US$4.25 to US$5.15.

Apart from the fuel prices being high in Belize, the country has an estimated 50 gas stations spread throughout the country. So, you don’t want to drive around the countryside without spare fuel since the gas stations are quite spread out. Most of the fuel stations are operated by Esso, Shell and Texaco. The fuel can be paid for in US OR Belize dollars. In some stations, they accept major international credit cards. How do you Become a Trucker in Belize?

In the US, truckers drive trucks with a gross vehicle weight of over 33, 000lbs. These trucks are referred to as class 8 trucks. In Belize, truck drivers drive trucks of roughly the same weight although in some cases the trucks are not as huge. Driving licenses in this country are categorized in different classes ranging from Class A for private cars to AII for all types of motor vehicles. Truckers are required to have a class B3 license which is a special license for tandem drive vehicles—those that come with trailers. A practical test is mandatory before the issuance of the license.

Trucking Routes

Trucking routes with the heaviest traffic in Belize happen to be those ones leading out of the country into neighboring Guatemala and Mexico. The 85 mile long Northern highway is one such route which connects Belize with Mexico. It runs from Belize City through Corozal town all the way to the Mexican border at Chetumal. Sugar cane harvesting is done from late winter to late spring and the Northern highway is usually characterized by slow-moving trucks carrying tons of cane. This route is characterized by excellent  gas  availability and a road that is 100 percent paved and in good condition.

Western highway is 78 miles long and its starts from Belize City, passes through Hattieville, Belize zoo, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Santa Elena before joining the Benque Viejo road all the way to the border with Guatemala. The Western Highway is in pristine condition with 100 percent of its surface being paved. Gas availability for truckers is also excellent. The 56 mile long Hummingbird highway was in a terrible condition until recently. It joins up Belmopan with Dangriga. The name Hummingbird is used for 33 miles before the road becomes the Stann Creek Valley road. While it is in an excellent condition, it is wise to gas up near Dangrira or at Belmopan to avoid running out of fuel since gas availability on this route ranges from fair to poor.        Points of Entry

Truckers in Belize have two major points of entry into the country that also serve as exit points. The first entry point is at Subteniente Lopez-Santa Elena towns which are located on the Mexico-Belize border point. The border crossing process is relatively easy. Once customs and immigration officials have approved your vehicle permit and stamped your passport, you just need to purchase insurance for the duration of your stay from the Insurance Corporation of Belize and you’ll be on your way. The vehicle permit is used in the vehicle importation process. The other point of entry is at Benque Viejo del Carmen-Melchor de Mencos border towns which are located on the Belize-Guatemala side of the border respectively. If you are exiting Belize, at either border points, you will be required to have your vehicle permit cancelled. This is done by Belize immigration officials who also stamp your passport.  Apart from the roads being a bit leaner when compared with the ultra wide roads in the US, truckers in Belize should expect a pleasant experience.

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Russian Truckers

 
The Russian trucking industry is similar to that in the US. Russian cargo truck drivers spend a majority of their time on the road, going from port-to-port collecting cargo and driving the same to their destinations. Russia has one of the most extensive transport systems in the worlds, with one of the longest stretches of national roads used by most transport companies as their main routes. These roads stretch out from Kaliningrad crossing through Moscow and St. Petersburg, to the Kamchatka Peninsula. The transportation services are a major lifeline of the Russian economy, since many foreign transport operators use Russia as a transit territory for transporting goods from Europe to Asia.

Types of Trucks Used in Russian Trucking Most Russian fleets are composed of Kamaz trucks which is perhaps one of the most popular trucking vehicles among Russian companies and drivers. Kamaz trucks are made by the Kamsky factory. Most of these trucks were made in the 70s and are favorites of the Russian military.

Russia is home to a number of trucking companies that own at the average 100 fleets of cargo trucks that ply the routes at different times of the year. A smaller percentage, about 25% of Russian trucking companies, are smaller, owning about 20 trucks at an average. Another 30% of trucks are owned and operated by the drivers who work directly with cargo owners and shipping companies. Other brands of cargo trucks found plying the Russian highways include Renault, Mercedes, and Volvo.   Job Description of a Russian Cargo Trucker Truck drivers in Russia are required to collect and transport various kinds of goods, such as heavy equipment and machinery as well as smaller items and light goods. The trucking company will offer various assignments to drivers, from intercity to interstate assignments that could stretch from one coast to another. The trucker is required to ensure that cargo remains in the same condition as it was when it came to his possession.

Ports The Russian Federation is home to 41 ports.  These include the Port of Alexandrovsk Sakhalin Island, Port of St.Petersburg,  Port of Port of Vladivostok, Port of Kaliningrad, and Port of Archangelsk Siberia. Most of these ports own and operate their container berths that work with major shipping and container companies, which also work with trucking companies that receive cargo for land transport when the cargo ships dock.   Driver Pay Trucker pay depends on the employer. Most companies pay the driver day rates or by the mile. Drivers who drive their own trucks often are paid directly by the company who hired the transport service. They post their rates, routes they usually take, and transport costs on forums and message boards that cater for both truckers and cargo owners and shippers. Shippers looking for truckers who match their requirements typically hire a trucker this way.

Living Conditions of a Russian Trucker Although Russia has an extensive road and highway system, most of the roads are bad and road safety is poor. Accidental deaths are higher in the country compared to other G8 countries. Russian truck drivers are especially wary of crossing the Lena Highway, more commonly known as the Highway from Hell, in the summertime since this is the time that the highway turns into a river of mud. The highway runs parallel to the Lena River, which overflows right into the highway during the summer, making this part of the federal highway virtually impassable.

A Russian trucker also has to contend with lawlessness on the roads. Security is a big issue, with looting rampant especially during the colder months when people break open trucks to get to food and clothing to keep them warm. Russian truck drivers often take measures to protect themselves especially when doing cross-country trips.

Day-to-day living is comfortable. Most of these cargo trucks have comfortable sleeping spaces, although food may be hard to find in some of the least inhabited places in the country. A trucker can get the most rest at truck stops, where food and the company of other truck drivers can be found.   How to Become a Trucker in Russia Becoming a Russian trucker often requires experience. Many drivers start working as short distance truck drivers for small loading companies before going up the ranks to long distance driving. Requirements include passing a physical exam as well as possessing a valid driver’s license. The employer may specify other skills. It depends on the company on whether they require a CDL license or not. A commercial driver’s license is often required for those who drive trucks that can carry 26,000 pounds and above. This is also required for truckers required to carry trucks that contain hazardous materials, regardless of the truck size.

Problems Facing the Russian Trucking Industry  The most common problems facing the trucking industry are bad roads, trucks that do not meet Euro requirements, non-payment of cargo and transport fees, as well as the rising price of fuel and stricter environmental restrictions. Russia is notorious for its bad roads. This causes additional delays in transportation, which means more consumption of fuel and a longer time for the goods to arrive at the destination. Clogged roads due to roadside accidents are not uncommon, with hundreds of cargo trucks forming amazingly long queues along the highway when this happens.

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It is not uncommon for cargo owners and freight companies to delay payments or avoid payment altogether. This is a very common problem in Russia and in some cases court action may not be enough to recover lost payment. However, most trucking companies are now finding ways to solve this problem by creating ratings for customers.  Trucking companies now share information on cargo owners and shipping companies online. Rating systems determine which shipping companies pay on time, and which companies and cargo owner should be avoided. Stealing and looting are also rampant, especially when trucks are stranded due to floods or traffic accidents. A trucker often uses personal security measures to protect himself and the cargo from looters.

Most of the trucks owned by Russian trucking companies do not meet strict requirements for Euro transportation standards, which mean that transport into Europe is limited, so most Russian truckers have to be satisfied with transporting goods to Asia. Rising fuel prices are also a problem, with Russian fuel increasing drastically in the course of 5 years. Diesel cost 23.01 rubles per liter in 2007, which has grown to 32 rubles per litter in 2012. Stricter environmental restrictions on fuel usage, especially the requirement of using fuel with low sulfur content, are also affecting trucking operations, since this is a type of fuel that is not produced in Russia.

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This video was taken at a Mexican truck stop in sonyota Mexico. sonyota is a border town along the Arizona border.  Gonzotrucker went down there for the weekend to play.  You can see more videos on my youtube channel.

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American Truckers In The Middle East

Truckers are the very heart of the country.  Without the transportation of goods provide by the trucker the country would be brought to a standstill.  These men and women work long hours in every type of bad weather imaginable to deliver the goods so that other can enjoy their holidays at home with the family.  When you stop at the grocery store to pick up food for the family, 99.9% of the food you place on the table has been transported on a truck.  Truckers transport needed medication to pharmacies and equipment to hospitals.  They often sacrifice time with family and spend more nights on the road than at home with the wife and kids.  When fuel prices cut into your family’s budget, they cut into the trucker’s income.  These proud men and women are servants of the consumers of the world.

Although the roads and highways of the US are often difficult to navigate and the job is difficult, there is another breed of trucker that has to deal with the same problems of domestic truckers in far more extreme conditions.  Consider the American trucker working in the Middle East.  These drivers work in war zones to ensure that fuel is available for your commute to work and to supply the troops fighting to ensure freedom.

While the job is dangerous and can be very lonely, there are some advantages for truckers in the Middle East.  In most cases, the pay is excellent.  In a year’s time, the average trucker working in the area will bring home $150,000.  In a short time, the trucker can pay off a home and car as well as the kid’s education and stack some cash back for retirement.  This salary is more than many college graduates will draw in three years.  On top of that, the first $90,000 are free of income tax, something that college graduate is not going to see.  While the job is dangerous, the salary is high.

A Middle East trucker can find work with little experience.  Two to three years experience driving in these hazardous conditions can prepare the trucker for practically anything he would find on the highways of the USA.  The experience can lead to jobs back in the States that may not pay as well as working in the Middle East, but are much less hazardous and somewhat easier on family life.

Jobs are available in several of the Middle Eastern countries.  These include the United Arabic Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait.  The basic climate of all Middle Eastern countries is characterized by hot and dry conditions.  Winter month can be mild and there may be rain.  However, in the mountains of northern Iraq, Iran and eastern Turkey, the winters can be severe.  Weather along the Arabian Peninsula is hotter and drier than anywhere else in the world.  Strong seasonal winds pick up sand from the deserts making sand storms frequent occurrences.  During the summer, these winds blow toward the interior of the land mass but in the winter, they blow away from the land.  In the North, these winds can bring cold air from Siberia bringing a small amount of rain and snow in the coastal region.  Summer temperatures average 85 degrees, but often break the century mark.  Baghdad has a record high of 120 degrees, but in the desert, higher temperatures are common.  These weather conditions can be hard on the trucker as well as the equipment.

The trucker’s job is to haul freight of all types.  Some truckers transport tankers while others transport rail container.  As seen above, the weather conditions can be very hot and truckers are often expected to drive without air conditioning.  In addition, many of the deliveries will be to areas, which have no roads.  Most truckers sleep in tents with their employer providing their food.  The Muslim values mean that the trucker will have no access to alcohol and there are no women.

The trucker in the Middle East faces many dangerous.  These include landmines that will explode on contact, snipers attempting to prevent your deliveries and contact with numerous terrorists.  In some instances, the trucker has discovered his fellow driver is a terrorist.  With nerves of steel, these extreme truckers can make a lot of money by completing a one-year contract.

Those working in the Middle Eastern oilfield are expected to transport supplies to and from job sites.  The job site may be a remote location where companies are exploring for oil and natural gas.  At times, the trucker is asked to transport volatile and flammable materials.  At other times, the driver is asked to transport the drilling rig and assist in the setup.  If selected as the water truck driver, you will pick up and deliver water to the drilling site.  Gravel truck drivers deliver gravel and rocks that will be used in lining a pipeline corridor.  When explosives are needed, the explosive delivery driver, also known as a suicide jockey, transports and unloads these devices.  Other drivers will deliver drilling pipe, food and other supplies to the jobsite.

Even experienced truckers will find the hazards added by driving a truck in the dangerous Middle East can make the job more challenging.  Before applying for these jobs, drivers should consider the dangers, lack of social interaction and separation from family.  Working in these foreign countries with limited contact to family can be difficult at best.  In addition, the stress of working in war torn countries and surrounded by terrorist is not for everyone.  Not everyone is able to work in the extreme temperature without air conditioning.  The rewards include high pay with few expenses as the company provides food and housing (tent) for the driver.  The basic job is still to ensure that goods are delivered from where they are produced or arrive by ship or rail to where they will be used.  Regardless of the extreme weather conditions, war or terrorists, the trucker working in the Middle East must ensure the load is delivered.

You can find some of these jobs in my ebook Highest Paying Trucker Jobs
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