Month: January 2012

Categories
Business Lifestyle

Job Description of a Logistics Agent

A logistics agent works in a warehouse and handles a company’s shipping, receiving and overall distribution. He also maintains a warehouse, making sure merchandise is ready for delivery and packages are properly handled. He often must operate equipment that assists with distribution by making the process of loading and unloading semi-trucks and delivery vans easier.

Logistics agents are employed by a wide variety of industries. Some handle strictly shipping, some strictly receiving, but most handle both. They have to take great care in handling items, avoiding potential damage or misplacement. Logistics agents also typically keep track of invoices and work with manufacturers and delivery drivers on distribution needs. The majority spend a large portion of their workdays on their feet, receiving, sorting through and arranging packages, preparing them to either be displayed in a store or sent to another location.

Skills
Logistics agents must be highly organized with thorough knowledge of how to operate the equipment used for moving merchandise. That equipment includes forklifts and moving dollies. They must know their warehouses inside and out and possess strong communication skills to relay information about distribution to co-workers, manufacturers and supervisors. Many also need to clean their warehouses, so they should know how to mop floors and stack boxes. On top of those things, logistics agents need the strength to move packages and operate heavy equipment.

Background
Practically anyone can become a logistics agent with the right work ethic. In most cases, only a high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Other than that, a logistics agent needs to work well alone or as a member of a team, a positive approach toward the job and an ability to follow instructions.

Prospects
Logistics agents belong to a warehousing industry that is expected to grow steadily for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of warehouse workers is expected to increase by 11 percent through 2018, which is about the average growth rate for all occupations during the same span.

Earnings
Since logistics agents work in such a wide-ranging field, their salaries are likely to differ considerably. Much depends on their experience and overall duties. According to PayScale.com, distribution clerks made anywhere from nearly $23,500 to more than $36,000 per year in May 2010.

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Categories
Business Carriers

Measuring Logistics Performance

Logistics, also known as supply chain management, is the study and operation of supplying services or products to places of need. In real-world situations in which time and money are of great importance, it’s often essential for a company or organization to measure the performance of their logistics. However, because of the complex processes involved in logistics, there’s no single way in which to measure how a company is performing in terms of their logistical operations. Instead, there are a number of measurements, each describing the performance from a different angle.

Measure supply reliability. This measurement tells a company how reliable the shipping method is in terms of preserving or maintaining products in their original state. Low measures of supply reliability can indicate improper shipping or packing methods. Calculate this measurement by subtracting the number of defective parts per average delivery from the average number of parts delivered per delivery and then dividing by the average number of parts delivered per delivery. The result will be a percentage indicating the number of parts delivered soundly per each shipment.

Compute the variation in transit time. This metric indicates the reliability of the shipment time. Used in conjunction with basic shipping-time statistics, this metric can tell a company how dependable their shipment method is. Calculate this value by subtracting the minimum transit time for a given period from the maximum transit time for a given period and then dividing by the average transit time for the given period. Lower values for this value indicate better performance.

Calculate the service reliability. Service reliability indicates the number of successful (in terms of providing the service promised) shipments. Divide the number of shipments delivered successfully at most four hours later than promised by the total number of shipments. The result will be a percentage. Percentages closer to 100% indicate better service.

Compute transportation utilization. This measurement shows how well a company is using its transportation resources. Divide the amount of time transportation devices (ships, trucks, and so on) are loaded during transit by the amount of time devices are in-transit regardless of whether they are loaded. The result will be a percentage. Percentages closer to 100% indicate better utilization of transportation devices.

Categories
Carriers Trucker News

Distribution & Logistics Careers

Distribution and logistics are an important part of commerce. These functions control the way products move between the supply source and the store shelves. Without them, there would be a noticeable shortage of goods overnight. It can be a challenging job, but one that offers a variety of positions for many types of background, education, and training.

Distribution Careers
Distribution refers to the network of suppliers, warehouses, freight forwarders and delivery systems responsible for product movement. This includes all aspects of shipping, from trucking companies and railroads to air freight delivery. The final leg of a distribution journey is handled by local delivery vehicles running packages back and forth across town. Products that began as raw materials in a factory arrive in packaging that stock clerks place on store shelves.

Distribution careers cover every aspect of the process. Cargo agents, freight brokers, dispatchers, truck drivers, stock clerks, shipping and receiving employees, and distribution managers all play a part. All require a different level of knowledge and expertise. Consequently, pay scales vary greatly, as does the potential for career advancement.

Educational requirements vary as well. Warehouse workers, delivery drivers, dock hands and stock clerk jobs typically require a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Distribution managers, custom brokers, supply chain supervisors and transportation planners will often require a two-year associate or bachelor’s degree in a related study.

Pay scales start at minimum-wage entry level wages and can reach into six figures for high ranking executives, with profit-sharing, performance bonuses and lucrative retirement programs.

Logistics Careers
Logistics is a term borrowed from military strategy. It refers to the task of placing personnel and equipment at a location on a pre-determined schedule. A career in logistics includes several aspects of routing, scheduling, time management and oversight related to the movement of goods and materials from point of origin to point of delivery.

According to the Education-Portal website, which cites data compiled by the Logistics Institute at Georgia Tech University, logistics and distribution account for nearly half of a company’s marketing budget and more than a quarter of its overall operating costs. Precise delivery of products and materials is key to the survival of any manufacturing, wholesale, or retail business.

Educational requirements include an associate’s degree in applied science or a bachelor of science degree in supply chain management. This kind of background gives you the knowledge and skills to handle acquisition, inventory management, strategic planning of delivery systems, and cost-analysis of logistics operations. Pay scales vary depending on the scope of a company’s business. But these technical jobs generally start at a higher rate of pay than many of the lower-echelon distribution positions.

Career Outlook
A look at the 2009 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics website illustrates the wide range of requirements and career opportunities in distribution and logistics. Annual incomes vary from the low $20,000 range for package handlers to between $50,000 and $65,000 for high-level management and technical positions, such as supply managers and logistics coordinators.

U.S. employment figures from 2009 reflect numerous jobs across the industry. First-line managers alone accounted for more than 200,000 positions. You’ll usually earn more if you work for a Fortune 500 company that handles a large volume of international products and materials. Technical vocations such as logisticians earned a median annual salary of $70,400 in 2009.

Categories
CDL

Pass the Written CDL Test

Drivers of buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In addition to a driving test, the requirements for obtaining a CDL include a written test. The test has material that does not appear on the licensing test for noncommercial vehicles. Accordingly, preparing for and passing the written CDL test requires additional study and time. Test takers should use as many available resources as possible to pass the written CDL test. They can then pass the first hurdle to a rewarding career as a commercial driver.

Visit the local government office that issues driver’s licenses. Most states have a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for licensing. Your state might use a different name, but it is usually the same office where you get your automobile driver’s license. Pick up a copy of the manual or handbook for the written CDL test. Make sure that you get all the materials for the test that you will take. States often have different classes of CDL licenses and different tests for each class of license.

Use the CDL manual to determine which tests you must take. For example, a tester in Massachusetts who wants a license to include a hazardous-materials (HAZMAT) endorsement must take the HAZMAT portion of the CDL test. Endorsements give commercial drivers authority to operate different kinds of vehicles or transport certain passengers or materials.

Study the relevant portions of the CDL manual for each individual part of your CDL test. However, you should study the entire manual if you have time. Your opportunities to obtain work may depend on obtaining special endorsements on your CDL license. Taking and passing all the tests will ensure that you have the proper endorsements when applying for a job as a commercial driver.

Supplement your study of the official state CDL manual with a commercial CDL course. Use this manual to find out the most common questions asked on the test. The course also gives test-taking tips for the CDL exam.

Take free online CDL practice tests. Take these tests to familiarize yourself with the types of questions on the CDL exam. These subject-based tests allow you to assess your strong and weak points. For example, you may be strong on the HAZMAT test but weak on the air-brakes test. Go back and review the portions of the manual or course that cover the most difficult material.

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Categories
CDL

Obtain a CDL Class A License

To obtain a CDL A license you must have a valid driver’s license, pass a vision test and be over the age of 18 (within-state driving) or 21 (interstate). You must understand how to speak and read English and physically be able to operate a truck weighing 26,001 pounds or more. A number of exams must be completed, as well as a driving skills test. However, once you receive your CDL A license, the job opportunities are many.

Contact a local trade school or college in your area to inquire about their CDL A training courses. In addition, if you are unemployed or underemployed, you can contact your local One Stop Unemployment center to inquire about receiving a WIA grant. The WIA grant will fund your training, at no cost to you, if you qualify.

Study the training material. The material consists of a Rules of the Road training manual, specifically for Class A vehicles. The manual can be obtained at your local Department of Motor Vehicles for free or from your school. To obtain your CDL A permit you must pass the written test, which consists of general knowledge, and specific questions relating to combination vehicles and air brakes. In most states, the applicant must pass the test with 80 percent or better to obtain his permit.

Practice driving a Class A vehicle with your training instructor once you receive your permit. You cannot operate a CDL A vehicle without the presence of someone with a Class A license. The instructor will teach you how to perform a pre-trip inspection, straight-line, angle, and 45-degree reverse parking, alley docking and basic driving skills.

Schedule a road test with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. However, some schools will schedule the test for you when they determine that you are ready. During the test, you will have to perform a pre-trip inspection before you enter the vehicle. If you fail the pre-trip inspection, you will not be allowed to take the driving test. During the driving test, you must pass every obstacle that the instructor asks of you. In most states, you will have to provide your own truck. However, most schools provide the vehicle for their students.

Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain your license after you have successfully passed your road test. The cost of a CDL A License varies by state. However, the average cost is $60. If you did not pass the road test, you can take the test 3 additional times. After 3 tries, a 30-day waiting period is imposed before you can retake the test.

Categories
CDL Lifestyle

Complete a CDL Pre-Trip Inspection

The Pre Trip is extremely important, so try not to take the attitude that you are being forced to learn it for the sake of passing a CDL test.

The importance of the Pre Trip carries far beyond the plastic. Learning to spot potential equipment failures and problems ahead of time may save your life and someone else’s – as well as extend the life of the equipment and/or save you a stay and/or a fine at the DOT scalehouse.

Many drivers worry about missing some steps on their pre-trip CDL inspection, but after time and repetition of the job, a CDL pre-trip inspection soon becomes quite easy if you take all of the following steps in order.

Left Side of Tractor or Power Unit

Turn on the vehicles headlamps and activate the four-way flashers. Release hood if the truck has a release lever inside.

Inspect all aspects of the units steering. This should include the steering linkage and gearbox, the tie rod and cotter pin. Check all for loose or missing, cracked or broken nuts and bolts and that nothing is leaking.

Look at the front brakes. These components include the slack adjusters, pins, drums, hoses or lines, chambers and brake linings. They should not be cracked, broken, loose or have any parts missing. Adjusters cannot have more than one inch of free play when hand pulled and the brake lining should not be less that 1/4 of an inch. Hoses or lines should not be in a position to be rubbing any surfaces or frayed in any way.

See that the front wheel and tire and their components are in good shape with no broken or cracked pieces, and inflation of the tire is correct using a tire gauge. Tires need to have at least 4/32 tread remaining, and cannot be a recapped tire or have any bulges or cracks. The hub must not be leaking and all lug nuts must be present and tight.

Open the door and check for the existence of all required safety equipment. These items include a fire extinguisher with a meter that shows proper charge, three emergency triangles, cones or flares. Carry spare fuses according to the requirements. None of these safely items may be missing or broken.

Locate the fifth wheel area and inspect it along with the catwalk area behind the cab. The fifth wheel’s locking jaws, platform, release arm, locking pins and bolts that mount it must be in place securely, and free from any welds. If a trailer is hooked, check that the jaws properly engage. The air hoses and electric line must be free from cracks, splits or leaks, and must be free from any rubbing against other parts of the vehicle.

Front and Left Side of Trailer

Watch for holes or loose material on the front of the trailer walls or rails and header board. Check the trailers registration in the bill box located on the nose of the trailer, as well as its annual inspection sticker to assure that it is not expired.

Grab air and electric connections and gently check that they are secure and undamaged.

Turn landing gear to appropriate position for travel and secure them.

Glance up and down the entire length of the vehicle checking all lights are operating or flashing properly. Forward and side facing lights should only be amber in color and rear-facing lights must be red in color.

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Categories
Owner Operators

Become an Owner Operator Trucker

An owner operator is a truck driver who owns his own truck and operates as an independent contractor for a variety of companies. An owner operator chooses his own loads, manages his own schedule and works for whomever he likes. The job can be rewarding financially, if the operator manages himself correctly. It is not for the inexperienced, however. Most owner operator truck drivers have several years of experience working for an established company on a set route before they strike out on their own.

First obtain your CDL endorsement if you do not already have one. A CDL is a commercial driver’s license, an endorsement issued by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). To get a CDL you must take and pass a commercial truck driving exam, which is offered by your state. It includes a written knowledge test and an on-the-road skills test.

Buy a truck. This is an obvious step, but there are many things to consider. First, used trucks cost much less than new trucks. However, they can break down. Research used trucks and search for good deals. Find out which ones (make, model and year) have the best history and least number of problems. Mechanical problems will cut into your earnings, as you must now pay for truck repairs. In addition, consider mileage and load restrictions, as each affects how much you can earn.

Secure a loan through a commercial bank to pay for your truck. You will have to pay a deposit, and have money left in reserve to pay for repairs should the truck need them. In addition, you will have to pay for any modifications that the truck needs in order to take certain routes (for example, special snow tires and cold weather gear).

Locate trucking companies that hire owner operators to haul their loads. These companies take on contractors for set routes, or as fill-ins when they lack available employees to fill the routes. There are hundreds of trucking companies so take your time to research them. Compare their rates and what they pay while you are on the job. Some offer toll payments and allowances for meals and gas. Rates also vary as do the routes the companies offer. Some will be more profitable than others.

Accept loads through reputable companies and begin your owner operator business. Continue to network and find loads to carry in your business.

Categories
Lifestyle Trucker News

Plan to Be a Shipping Agent

Shipping agents manage the flow of goods transported by air, sea, rail and truck. According to the California Employment Development Department, shipping agents act as brokers taking orders for materials and arranging the route and method of delivery. The agent also handles customs and other regulatory documentation for the shipment.

Some freight agents work as independent business people and others work for freight brokerage companies. Some freight brokerage companies offer on the job training or internships for prospective shipping agents.

Contact local freight forwarding brokers for information. You can find some listings in the yellow pages and others by searching online. Make a list of all the ones you would like to contact for information.

Call the companies on your list and ask to speak to the human resources department. Explain your interest in becoming a shipping agent and ask for information about the job. They can guide you to resources to help you get started.

Search for colleges that offer programs in logistics and shipping. Some colleges offer programs designed to train you for a career either as an independent shipping broker or as an agent working for a broker. The program of study will help you gain knowledge of the transportation industry and the legal documentation required for working as a shipping agent. According to ed2go Online Career Training, a shipping agent needs to have Broker Authority. This is obtained from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Search online for the equipment and software you will need to work as shipping agent. Independent shipping agents need to purchase transportation software for managing the freight shipments while agents working for a brokerage will use the software provided by the agency. You will also need a good computer with broadband Internet access and a phone and fax set up for keeping in contact with clients.

Contact state and federal government agencies to investigate the job opportunities available for shipping agents. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics also offers information about shipping and freight agent careers. There you will find information about shipping agent careers including salary averages and working conditions. Your state Labor Department can provide data on shipping agent job opportunities in your state.

Categories
Lifestyle Trucker News

Notice a Fake Drivers License

A fake drivers license isn’t hard to identify, yet so many people don’t know the distinguishing characteristics to look for. The exact details of a fake drivers license vary slightly from state to state but there are some basic things that can tip you off right away. Check out the information contained inside this article to understand how to notice a fake drivers license right away.

In a fake drivers license, one of the first things to look for is a hologram or any type of security stamp or marker. These things are costly for people to duplicate and are often left out in the hopes that the person checking the ID won’t notice, or won’t think to look for that. It’s going to be in a different location in every state and will vary a little bit but there should be something.

Another obvious marker of a fake drivers license is uneven text or slanted writing. People who create fake drivers licenses don’t have the same quality machines that the real ones are made with and consequently that translates to a cruddy job on the fit and finish of the license. If you notice that there are typos or text that isn’t lined up appropriately then that should raise your suspicion.

Make sure that the photo matches exactly with the person what you are checking, or it could be a fake drivers license or a license that belongs to someone else. Many times when people order a fake drivers license they will not have an actual photo of themselves on it because the person counterfitting it doesn’t have time to wait for an actual picture or the facilities to take a picture.

In addition to the photo make sure that the personal details are correct too. A fake drivers license will often have the physical descriptive characteristics improperly listed, stating that someone is much taller than they actually are or that they have different color eyes or hair so make sure to pay attention to this as well.

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Categories
Lifestyle Trucker News

Checking a License Plate Status

Though many private citizens believe that vehicle license plate information may only be obtained by law enforcement officials, the task of gathering data on an assigned license plate is relatively easy. The search for license plate data will usually provide registrant name and address information, vehicle registration and expiration date, vehicle make and model, VIN number, title information, and the lien holder’s name if applicable. While this information is protected by the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994, you may still receive adequate amounts of information to complete your search.

Record and write down the license plate number. You must record the license plate number in the same format as it appears on both the vehicle registration paperwork and the vehicle license plate itself. If the number/letter combination displayed on either the registration or license plate does not match then notify your state’s department of licensing or department of motor vehicles immediately.

Visit the department of motor vehicles, department of licensing, or appropriate government agency in person. You may visit the vehicle licensing authority to obtain information on a specific vehicle license. You may either visit on a walk-in basis or use the appointment system available in some states. The amount and type of information you receive will be subject to the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, a federal statute that governs the release and use of personal information on licensed motor vehicle operators. You may either receive requested information immediately or after waiting a specified time period after paying the appropriate fees.

Visit the website of the appropriate government agency. Many state licensing authorities have made a number of driver and vehicle licensing services available online. Visit the web site of your appropriate state authority to complete a license plate query. For example, Wisconsin residents can visit the state department of transportation website to obtain information on the license plate expiration date, and the vehicle year and make. In many states users may also renew expired registration and license plates through use of the same state licensing website.

Run a reverse license plate search. The use of private investigators and organizations that specialize in obtaining background information on businesses and individuals can provide information on a license plate by conducting a reverse license plate search. You must provide the name and address of the business or person to begin the search. The company then uses this data to generate a report to include information regarding the vehicles owned by or assigned to the person or business. You may also use a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain license plate information. Many of these private search companies advertise online and can also be found in the white pages of the local phone directory.

Monitor local police activity using a commercially available police scanner. Police scanners have long been available for use by the general public. You can use the scanner to obtain information on a licensed vehicle by listening to the reported activity discussed over the frequency in use. If your query involves a police-related incident or investigation then information regarding related motor vehicles may be discussed over the scanner.

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