Become a Transportation Operations Worker and Tap Into a $43 Billion Industry

When most people think of the trucking industry, they naturally think of truck drivers. But did you know that there's a vast operations support group behind every truck on the road? Did you know that the trucking industry is an increasingly computer-driven field that generates over $43 billion dollars in revenue a year in Canada?

There are a large number of employment opportunities in this exciting field, and many of them fall under the umbrella of "transportation operations". These jobs require a sound knowledge of the trucking industry, and the software systems used there. A great way to acquire this knowledge is to enroll in a Transportation Operations Diploma Program. Such programs are designed to give students the soft skills and technical knowledge they need to succeed in any of the numerous jobs found in transportation operations, including:

· Operations Manager

· Local Dispatcher

· Driver Manager

· Load Planner

· Safety and Compliance Officer

· Log Book Auditor

· Fleet Maintenance Manager

Programs typically last approximately 17 weeks. Students spend 50% of their time learning computer systems in a lab environment where they have an opportunity to get hands-on with the programs. Over the duration of their studies, students will learn more about the software that helps employees map optimal routes for trucks, register trucks to work in different provinces and states, manage drivers and equipment, and manage freight logistics. Specific software programs covered in a Transportation Operations Diploma Program would include:

· PC Miler

· Satellite Systems

· LoadLink

· International Registration Plan (IRP)

· Fleet Manager

· Freight Logix

Courses are comprehensive, and teach students everything they need to know about transportation operations. Typical programs include the following topics:

· Foundations in transportations operations

· Safety and compliance

· Maintenance and administration of fleets

· Dispatching, driver management

Because the program length is relatively short, Transportation Operations Diploma Program students can expect to get back into the workforce quickly. Many students, however, prefer to add an internship to their education. Typically lasting 8 weeks, these internships are an excellent way for graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience, differentiate themselves from other candidates, make contacts, and gain the confidence they'll need to excel in the trucking industry. In many cases, students who make a good impression during their internship are hired by the companies they worked for.

For people who are interested in mastering the knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic field of transportation operations, enrolling in a Transportation Operations Diploma Program is a sound career move.

Contact the Canadian Automotive & Trucking Institute for more information on their Transportation Operations Diploma Program.

Mitch Conway is a freelance writer who works for Higher Education Marketing, a leading Web marketing firm specializing in Google Analytics, Education Lead Generation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Mobile SMS Alerts, Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click Marketing, among other Web marketing services and tools.

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Practice Safe Bucket Truck Operations!

Knowing bucket truck safety while operating the vehicle is just as important and essential as putting this safety awareness into practice during the operation of the vehicle. There are recommended procedures that are very helpful and should be observed during use of the truck to avoid tipping, electrocution, falling or other accidents that could be caused by carelessness.

OSHA mandates rules and regulations for every bucket truck owner and operator to strictly follow. Furthermore, this set of rules and regulations is reinforced by federal law. These are clear and effective procedures to be followed before and during any lifting job. Following are some checklists that detail necessary safety items to be considered.

Before Operation Checklist

Ensure that the truck is in good working condition and that every component is properly functioning.Operators and crews should have thorough knowledge of the tasks being performed.Check to make sure that the vehicle is free from any fluid leaks.Tires and lighting should be working properly and in good condition.Test all body safety gear and make sure each crew member wears it properly.Make sure to have a complete set of safety pads for the outriggers.Make sure that the boom is cradled properly before traveling.

During Operation Checklist

Make sure that only trained workers are allowed to do any aerial lift operations. Trained employees are fully aware of any potential hazards and have adequate knowledge to properly operate bucket trucks.It is prohibited for any worker to belt off to another pole or structure when working in high places.Fall protection must be worn by employees or a lanyard should be attached to the tub of the vehicle.Workers should only stand on the floor of the tub and should not attempt to stand or sit anywhere else.Load and weight limits should be strictly abided by and never exceeded.If operating on an incline, workers should make sure to use the wheel chocks.Brakes and outriggers should be set on a solid surface. If outriggers are set on dirt or uneven surfaces, make sure to use safety pads for the outriggers.Do not attempt to move the vehicle from one place to another when there is a person in the bucket.Only operate the lower controls when absolutely necessary, such as during an emergency or when requested by the operator inside the bucket.Make sure to have proper clearance when working near power lines.Operators and crews should always wear hard hats.

Additional Safety Regulations

Before getting on the highway, the vehicle should be locked in the lower traveling position and the crew should not attempt to use the bucket during highway travel.
Drivers should be aware of low or narrow places while driving, since the bucket and boom add height to the vehicle when stored. An inspection should be done before moving the vehicle to verify that it is safe to move it.
When there is a need for any modifications on the vehicle, truck owners should acquire written approval from either the manufacturer or any recognized testing laboratory.

With the use of bucket trucks comes potential hazards; adhering to OSHA's rules and regulations means that when being operated, the vehicle will be effective and productive. Each owner and operator should also be aware that OSHA continuously revises its policies, so it is important to constantly update the company's safety standards according to OSHA. Safety should always be the top priority and all workers should practice safe bucket truck operations!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks.

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Your Career As a Transportation Operations Specialists

Whether you are considering a new career in trucking, or looking to take your transportation operations industry experience in a new direction, training in transportation operations will provide you with loads of career opportunities in a fast-paced, knowledge-driven trucking field.

Transportation operations training will help you develop the skills needed for careers as a Dispatcher, Safety Administrator, Log Auditor, Fleet Manager, Maintenance Administrator and Driver Manager in the Transportation Industry.The best Transportation Operations training programs will prepare individuals for these careers by covering the following topics and area of study:

Transportation Operations Foundations - trucking terminology, the nature of shipping conditions, the historical and social importance of transportation operations in specific countries or areas, transportation legislation and regulations
Safety & Compliance - operational efficiency through employee safety and driver retention while trucking and in the office, due diligence, risk management, workplace safety and compliance, legislation and regulations
Fleet Maintenance & Administration - proper use of equipment used in trucking, preventative maintenance scheduling, inventory control, coordinating repairs and inspections, analyzing reports and effective communication skills
Dispatch, Driver Management & Operations - customs regulations, load planning, trip planning, customer relations, and how to increase trucking company profits

The automotive and transportation industries are leaders in technological advancement. Understanding how the trucking industry uses technology to manage its operations will be critical to your career success. That's why Transportation Operations students often spend a large amount of time working in computer labs, learning leading transportation management software packages.

Standard industry software includes:

PC Miler - perhaps one of the most extensive mapping tools used in the trucking industry today, PC Miler compiles complex routes with multiple drop points, inserts border crossings, and calculates trip times.
Satellite Systems - a sophisticated communications package that pinpoints the location of a truck or trailer in order to track status of deliveries and equipment.
LoadLink - an Internet-based software package used to locate inbound and outbound loads, allowing trucking companies to make better use of their driver's time.
International Registration Workbook - different workbooks provided by different Ministries of Transportation around the world. These are used to register trucking fleets to operate in a variety of regions/states.
Fleet Manager Professional - automates and streamlines shipment planning and execution including order entry, dispatch, trip management and reporting, driver and equipment management, fuel tax reporting and more.
Freight Logix - combines truckload, LTL, pick-up and delivery and cartage functionalities. Integrates transportation and freight activities including GPS, driver communications, document imaging and mileage engines.

Contact CATI today for more information on Transportation Operations training.

Philippe Taza is the founder and CEO of Higher Education Marketing, a leading Web marketing firm. Taza has worked in the Canadian Education market for nearly a decade, specializing in Google Analytics, Education Lead Generation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Mobile SMS Alerts, Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click Marketing, among other Web marketing services and tools.

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