Truckers form the backbone of the Mexican transport industry. The country has an average area of about 1,972,550 km square and it depends on its agricultural and export industries to run the economy. Auto manufacturing, electronics in the form of semiconductors, computers, TVs and mobile phones and technological industries are the main export industries of the state. Good roads and expert truckers are required to move the goods from the manufacturing plants to ports and state lines for international transport. Internally, the state has a relatively rocky geography with two mountain ranges spread north-south over the state. This has led to considerably difficultly in connecting mountainous regions of the country. In the last few years, the country has also been improving its local and international trading resulting in an increase in the GDP and a decrease in foreign debt and internal poverty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has resulted in improved export trading but a few problems have also cropped up with the transportation network inside the country. Roadways in Mexico Mexico is the third largest and the second most populous country in North American and it did develop and extensive road network over the state. However, it has had significant problems linking the main agricultural and manufacturing areas to highways due to the rocky natures of the country. The roads extend about 366,095 km (227,481 mi) and extend all over the country. Most of the highways are in excellent condition and 116,802 km (72,577 mi) are completely paved. Out of these roadways, more than 10,474 km are made up of four-lane expressways while others may have 6-lane expressways. Most of the highways are tolled roads with a large range of emergency features like telephone booths, trucker medical facilities, parking ramps and water wells. These facilities automatically mean that drivers do have to pay a higher toll. In fact, Mexican tolled roads are considered to be the most expensive in the world. However, these highways do not traverse the entire state. Unpaved roads with undivided two lade highways with or without shoulders form the majority of roads in the city and they are commonly referred to carreteras.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros for the Mexican Trucking Industry

 

1.   Mexican truckers are in high demand as most local goods are transported via trucks. This has resulted in a 6.9% annual growth in the Mexican truck transport fleet since 1990.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     Over the years, the Mexican authorities and particularly, Mexico’s Communications Transport Department has been approving commercial driving licenses for truck drivers to ensure better transportation. The testing process for the license is quite strict and completely similar to US standards and periodic retesting is required for license renewal. In the last few years, the Department was also issuing discretionary permits that allowed truckers to carry more than 100 tons per trip. However, protests by independent truckers have resulted in these permits being cancelled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Obama administration has also approved the long-distance transport of Mexican truckers into the US. There is no limit to the number of trucks that can enter the US. Truckers can apply and get a permit in Mexico and then undergo US inspections for the first three months during their trips to the US. These inspections will decrease within 18 months and a good record will mean that Mexican trucks can works safely within the US. Truckers are also allowed to carry return loads to Mexico and this trade agreement is expected to bring in more than $2 billion in business to the state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.      Another advantage for Mexican truckers is the vast internal auto manufacturing industry. Mexico already has several local and international car companies based inside the state. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have their manufacturing and assembly plants in the state since the 1930s. Local car manufacturing plants are also clustered around the international companies. Domestic companies like DINA Camiones CA are located in the same region and they make a range of local trucks and buses that are very popular inside Mexico. As a result, trucks drivers can choose from a diverse range of cheap and affordable trucks for local transportation. Hybrid truck models are also available as Vehizero manufactures several models for local use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cons for Mexican truckers and the trucking industry

 

 

1. Even though the Obama Administration has approved trading, there has been a vigorous backlash by local US Trucking associations. The future of the agreement remains shaky but Mexican truckers have already started entering the US on approved trading routes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     Most of Mexico is covered with roads but they are not of good quality. Speed limits on these interior roads may be as low as 20kph but it increases to an average of 110kmph on multilane expressways and highways. These interior roads are not well maintained and are frequently potholed, covered with mudslides and other problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.      The high altitude of the state also means that thin winding roads often traverse lonely roads where hijacking is common. According to the latest statistics, 4.5 truck robberies occur everyday in Mexico with armed gangs robbing the goods in the truck along with the truck or the trailers. In the year 2009, more than 10,000 highway thefts were reported with a 40% hike expected in the next three years. Losses to the industry and to truckers were estimated to about $9 billion annually ranging to about 1% of Mexico’s economic output.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.    According to a World Bank report, Mexico still needs to develop its existing transport infrastructure as it is less dense than most advanced countries. In 2008, a World Bank inspection showed that most of the highways required upkeep and highway maintenance needed to be improved. These deficient roadways have resulted in trucking and transportation bottlenecks around cities, manufacturing centers and local ports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.     Corruption and bribery is common too. Truckers have reported bribes that have to be paid to warehouse officials, customs personnel and to traffic policemen as well. Collusion between hijackers, customs officials and police personnel were common too resulting in a vicious circle of distrust and bribery. The Mexican Government has been trying to deal with the problems related to trucking and they have been doing an above-average job. However, additional work and support is necessary. With the right maintenance and standardization, the Mexican trucking industry can easily expand to deal with local and international trading.

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The Island country of Japan, home to high-tech robots, the Shinkansen and a leader in eco-friendly cars, has a niche for building things small and sturdy. Which is good in cars, houses and electronics, but when it comes to roads, it becomes a hassle to normal semi-trucks. Having lived in Japan for the past year, I have seen two way roads narrow enough to be considered 4-wheeler trails. However, freight still needs to be shipped from one end of this island to the other and while Japan has over 1000 shipping ports, only 106 of those are considered main ports for big shipments. One of the main methods for shipping freight in Japan is the railways that thread through Japan like Ivy crawling up a Cedar Tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That however does not exclude semi-trucks from Japan. The railways do not reach every town of Japan, so to get goods from a train station to the final location. a Semi-truck is needed to traverse those short hauls. The typical trucker can deliver the freight and be home in time for supper. Though there are some long hauls for items that can’t be shipped by train. Those truckers might be the lucky ones, because the typical Japan rest area vacation destination for some Japanese who spend their lives in the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 
To be able to drive a Semi in Japan, you will need to obtain a Oogata-kenin-menkyo (CDL) from one of the many Truck driving schools around Japan. The typical course to obtain a simple CDL runs for ten days at an expense of 268,800 Japanese Yen, though you also need a regular license, which can also be obtained at the truck school for 366,800 Japanese Yen and a course load of seventeen days. Once you are done with your training in Japan, the typical salary is in-between 280,000 and 450,000 Japanese Yen a month.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Over the past decade, the price of all fuel has been going up, it is not different here in Japan, it runs around 125 Japanese Yen per liter and 475 Japanese Yen per Gallon. The economic stability of Japan is still strong, though in the next several years the need for Semi-Truck drivers is predicted to decrease by 10%. Currently the Diet is in session to increase the consumption taxes by 5% to bring more money into the Government’s budget from taxation and less from loans from other countries. If they are allowed to do this, then the GDP is predicted to go up in the next decade, which in turn will also bring more openings to the Trucking industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Some downfalls of driving a Semi-Truck in Japan comes in the form of tiny roads, where they are not even wide enough to admit two cars at the same time going in different directions. It is almost impossible to fit a full sized truck down one of these roads, but the skilled Japanese drivers are able to get in and drop off their haul and exit without destroying the Semi in the process, which for Japanese truck drivers is an important piece of art. Many of Semi-trucks here in Japan have been decorated with bright colored lights and fine art, far better than any that I have seen on an American Semi.    Zachary Ringler

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China Trucker

Truckers in China often face many trials of both patience and endurance. While life on the road can be difficult for any trucker, those in China face many additional challenges that are unique to their country as well as those common to all in the industry.
Most trucks found in China are owned and driven by their owners. Drivers often have homes and families in the countryside but spend many days in a row away from the family. The owner-operator often hires a second driver to keep the truck moving as much as possible. The two often take turns driving and sleeping so trucks may be on the road 24 hours per day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner operators are paid on a per trip basis. From the contracted amount, the driver must pay diesel costs (approximately one third higher than in the US, but lower than in the UK.) Government regulations to lower the cost of diesel fuel can lead to shortages. In addition, the driver is responsible for the costs of tolls for using highways that can cost as much as $200 US.

 

 

 

 

 

Loads are found at local freight markets, where they are posted on chalkboards by small intermediary companies. These intermediary companies are often family operated. The owner of the business works to develop personal connections with factories where goods are produced. These low tech companies are unregulated and may do business without use of a computer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the owner operator contracts the load, he must wait for it to be loaded. The process of loading the truck in China is often done by hand and slow. It can take several hours or even days between contracting the load and departing from the factory. Most trucks pull a flat bed trailer. Goods are placed on the platform, covered by tarps and secured using rope in a process that may take another two hours. The flatbed offers the versatility to carry practically any load the owner can contract.

Competition between owner operators has increased in the last ten years, making the profits of driving a truck even less. Many barely break even in the process. Drivers may have trucks altered to increase the number of goods and profits associated with each trip.

It is common for the trucker to pay several fines on most trips. Common violations include overloading as well as others. Tickets are normally $30 US and while they provide revenue for the local police departments do little to discourage further infractions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roadside services areas provide food and other services specifically for drivers. Often food found in these areas is much more expensive than food found in the town itself. Drivers might choose shrink-wrapped meat and instant noodles or a cafeteria-style buffet for their meals. Operators can expect several roadside hawkers offering snacks drivers can buy in their long waits while stuck in traffic and waiting for the traffic to clear. In some cases, traffic clearing has taken days or even weeks.

The roads in parts of china travel over some rugged terrain. Drivers often find themselves on two lanes that are bumpy and wind around the mountains leading to long traffic jams. While the government is working to provide better roads, the task is massive. Efficient highways through the mountains will require very expensive tunnels and bridges. New highways are built offering flat and fast roads that are filled beyond capacity, almost immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In order to pay for many of these new roads, China has instituted more toll roads. Currently 66% of the tolled miles of road are found in China. Drivers must include the toll rate when bidding for a job and then pay the cost out of the pocket. Currently, the government is working to decrease or eliminate tolls due to their effects on consumer prices.

The tough road conditions, necessity of overloading trucks and small profits often cause trucks to see heavy use with little maintenance. Owner-operators must choose between saving money and avoiding a breakdown. Since they do not have the money to buy quality parts, many drivers select used or cheap parts when it is time to make a replacement.

Many truckers in China feel they are stuck in the industry. They are unable to save enough money to expand the business as needed to get ahead. Many drivers have been in the industry for years, but have invested all their money into the truck and keeping it running. They might have few other skills on which they could rely for income.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As truckers in other locations, those in China find that rising fuel costs cut further into dwindling profits. Although the cost of diesel fuel is less than in the UK, it is approximately 1/3 more than the cost of fuel in the US. In 2011, government interventions to decrease the cost of diesel lead to nationwide shortages of the fuel.

The ports along the coast of China allow transportation of many materials, which are loaded from ocean going vessels to trucks. Truckers may haul coal, iron ore and grain. In addition, containers and roll on roll offer operations between the islands and mainland take place here. The container transport system is particularly popular in the areas, especially in Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen and Shenzhen.

In addition to the ocean ports, the rivers of China add even more ports. While the country has over 2,000 ports nationwide, only 130 are currently open to foreign ships.

While truckers face many hardships no matter where they are located, those in China face additional difficulties. The traffic can quickly eat away the small profits the owner operator may gain by hauling a load. Tolls, fuel costs and food on the road can also be expensive. Truckers from the US with the vast interstate highway system offering free passage across the nation would face culture shock if forced to drive long haul across the small two lane highways of China. Most Chinese truckers do not dream of their children following them in the career due to the difficulties they face.

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French Truckers

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Consumer goods that are imported to and exported from France have to get to their destination somehow.  While some companies will pay to have their freight transported by plane, those who are transporting their goods domestically will generally choose to have their products transported via truck.  This creates a need for truckers throughout France and these professional drivers have earned their income transporting everything from petroleum to sporting equipment for years.  Learn what you need to know about the lifestyle of truckers, the types of trucks and trailers that are used in France, how much truckers earn, and other valuable information by reading on.

French Trucker Lifestyle

If you enjoy driving, being a trucker may sound like a great lifestyle.  Not only do you earn money to drive on the open road, you also get to experience new areas of the country that you probably would not venture to if you were not a trucker.  While the trucker lifestyle is right for some, it is not designed for everyone.  You might picture the standard trucker wearing trucker hats, smoking, and stopping to eat at small cafes when their schedule permits.  While this is true for some, the modern trucker is nothing like what you might picture.

The quality of life for the trucker has improved dramatically as technologies have advanced the way trucks and trailers are built.  Electronics have also improved a truckers life on the road and given them access to directions and traffic reports in a matter of seconds.  Truckers generally sleep in a space that is referred to as a “condo” which has a stand up sleeper berth.  Gone are the days where truckers are forced to sleep in a small bunk.  With more space, truckers can bring some of their basic comforts from home on the road with them.  Some of cabs have microwaves, hot plates, refrigerators, televisions, and everything the trucker needs to cook, sleep and entertain themselves during off hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Trucks and Trailers in France

Now that you understand what trucker life is like, you need to find out what types of trucks and trailers are popular in France.  As previously mentioned, the inside of the truck’s cabin has significantly changed.  In the past, the cabin was very small and did not provide much room for the trucker to stretch as they worked.  But the increase in available space is not the only change that has happened over the years as technologies have advanced.

Gone is the rough ride the older trucks and trailers have offered.  Now, with French companies investing in trucks with air ride suspensions, the ride is smooth and far less noisy.  The suspension systems are not the only components that have changed in trucks used for transport in France.  More and more companies are moving away from trucks with a standard 10-speed transmission to invest in a fleet with an automatic transmission.  Not only does this make a long drive easier for the truckers, it will also save the company quite a bit of money in gas and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Companies will use standard trucks or trucks that are called swap bodies.  Swap body trucks are designed to transition loads from the truck to the railway easily.  Cranable trucks are easier to load full loads when products are heavy.  Lorries are the front-end with the engine and trailers are attached to their lorries.  The trailers can range in size and there are several manufacturers in the industry.  Renault is a respected manufacturer of transport lorries in France and offers distribution, long distance, and construction trucks.  The Premium Route, Magnum, Midlum, Premium Distribution, Kerax, and Lander are all popular models for commercial transport.  Trailer sizes are available in 12 meters, 18.75 meters, and 16.50 meters.  These dimensions are based on regulations in France.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trucker Pay

You should always be concerned about how much you can earn when you are changing careers.  If you want to become a professional driver, you need to find out just how much and how truckers are paid in France.  You have to keep in mind that truckers are away from their families for days or weeks at a time.  They are also on the road for long hours which can make the career more dangerous than other jobs.  While truckers in France do not earn as much as Spanish and German drivers, they do earn more than several other workers in France.  The average income for truckers in France is between 14 and 19 euros per hour.  Full-time truckers will take home between 2300 and 3200 euros each month.

Most truckers will receive benefits from the company they work for because of the hazards that are on the road.  After strikes demanding better pay and benefits, employers have gotten better working conditions and benefits.  They have been given a lower retirement age and unloading and loading the vehicle is now considered working time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price of Fuel

Most trucks operate on diesel fuel.  While employer truckers do not have to pay for fuel out-of-pocket, individuals who own their own trucking company in France are concerned with the rising cost of gas.  When your business is based on the road, the rising cost of gas can quickly cut into your profits.  Currently, as of April 19th, the cost of diesel fuel was reported at € 1.43.  There may be large variations throughout the country, but this average takes into account the highest and the lowest price at the time.  Most trucking companies will have corporate gas accounts with specialty gas stations so their truckers can fill up on company credit.

Major Routes Used in France

There are more than 1 million kilometers of road in France.  All of the roads are connected through the French motorway network or the autoroute system which is primarily toll roads.  There are about 30,000 kilometers of national routes and the remaining roads are owned by private companies.  The most popular routes taken by truckers are the national networks which have gates out of France.  Routes like France to Barcelona and Le Havre are the most popular traveled because they are major two lane highways.

Speed Limiters

The speed limits throughout Europe will vary dramatically.  Truckers should know the laws specific to France before driving in France for business.  In France, a truck up to 12 feet can travel at 50 km/hr on urban roads, 80 km/hr on highways, and 90 km/hr on motorways.  Trucks longer than 12 feet may travel at 50 km/hr on urban roads, 60 on highways, and 90 on motorways.

Licensing Requirements for Truckers in France

The licensing requirements for truckers will vary significantly in Europe.  You need to know the requirements of the country where you plan on working so you can meet these requirements before becoming a trucker.  You must have a valid European Union license in France to operate any type of motor vehicle.  You will need a Class D license to drive commercial heavy-duty vehicles.  Class A and C are the licenses for driving private passenger vehicles.  You must undergo a medical examination and have periodic exams when you have a Class C or D license in France.  You are also required to pass a written examination proving you know the safety laws.

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What you do not know about the logistics sector and Truckers in India.

 

In this article we are going to learn about the logistics industry and the general livelihood of the truckers (commonly referred to as lorry drivers) in India. In this article we are going to talk about the logistics sector first. You are going to learn about the nature of this sector and how it is different from other countries. Then we are going to learn about the general working conditions of the truckers in India. Lastly you are going to learn about one of the rampant problems faced by the truckers in India. By the end of this article you will have a general idea of the truckers and the logistics Industry in India.

 

The logistics industry is a highly unorganized sector to a large extent. All one needs to become a trucker is a heavy motor vehicle license. The trucks are usually manufactured by either TATA or Ashok Leyland. Most of the trucks run on diesel. Diesel costs about Rs. 50 (1USD) per liter. The prices keep varying and they usually increase over time. Diesel is subsidized by the Indian government and hence it is available at a lower cost compared to petrol. The freight ranges from vegetables to high end electronic items. The only competing transport of trucks is the Indian railway goods transport system which is not regarded as a reliable means of transport.

The truckers are usually illiterate or people with very little education. Unlike the truckers in developing countries they live in harsh conditions. For instance truckers in the United States sit in an air conditioned unit and drive their trucks. In India it is a totally different situation. You cannot even  imagine an air conditioner used by a trucker. The salaries are also very low and they currently range between 200-300USD or 10,000-15000 rupees per month. The employers usually provide other means of support to the drivers. They pay for the education of the kids of the drivers. They also help out with the family occasionally since the drivers are almost always out of town working.  This usually runs in a very informal manner and it depends on the employer-employee relation.

 

In the recent past the biggest problem among the truckers is HIV. Since the truck drivers stay away from their families for so long. They resort to other avenues for their sexual appetite and get affected by AIDS. The government is trying to counter this by spreading awareness among the drivers. These awareness programs are also publicized some of the leading actors in the country. On a different note TATA, which is one of the major truck manufacturer,  is trying to get this sector organized by conducting training programs for the drivers. The other manufacturers are waiting to see the results of this program to leap into it.

 

In this article you have learnt about the current state of the logistics sector. You also know about the competitor for the trucking Industry, the Indian railways, which is nowhere close to competing the trucks. You have learnt about the working conditions and general livelihood of the truck drivers in India. Lastly, you have learnt about some of the recent problems and developments in this sector in terms of health and training to the truckers. You now have an overview of the logistics industry in India.

 

Target audience: Fellow Truckers

The purpose of the article: Educate, entertain Truckers about their profession in different countries. In this particular article it is India. There is also a chance that truckers are informed of an opportunity in other countries.

The general questions which will be answered in this article are :

What kind of trucks are used to transport goods in India? How much do the drivers get paid? What types of freight do they most commonly haul? What do they have to deal with in their daily life on the job? How they obtain that kind of job is there a special license they need? How much does the price of fuel cost?  Truckers in India

My name is Ravi. I have a Masters degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. I write articles and I also work on my own assets.

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