At a fundamental level, truck drivers are the backbone of the supply chain. Without them, life as we know it would come to a screeching halt. Let us consider five of the crucial roles of truck drivers in the supply chain:
Moving Freight
It goes without saying that at the core of the supply chain is the movement of goods. Notably, at least 70% of all the freight that is moved in the United States goes through the hands of a truck driver.
In order to keep things moving, the country has over 3.5 million truck drivers traveling more than 430 billion miles annually.They come with tons of expertise in beating rush hour traffic and avoiding road closures to get goods to their destination.
They move raw materials to manufacturing plants or finished products from the plants to retail and distribution centers. Without them, we would not get the goods we need to live the lives we so enjoy.
Planning Routes and Meeting Delivery Schedules
Closely related to their role as freight movers, truck drivers also have the delicate job of planning routes. Not only does this allow them to meet delivery schedules, but it also helps them optimize performance.
For instance, it minimizes on empty truck loads so as to cut down on fuel wastage and resulting losses. At the same time, it helps balance the wheels of supply and demand
Coordinating Logistics, Accounts and Plenty More
The job description of a truck driver goes way beyond just driving; it’s not simply about moving goods from one point to the next. Rather, the process is scaled significantly and takes a remarkable amount of coordination.
Truck drivers have an amazing amount of rhythm and consistency, not unlike the newspaper boy or milkman. That makes them a crucial cog in daily operations of countless businesses. In addition to driving, they also take on the roles of merchandisers, accountants and even logisticians.
Creating Strong Partnerships
Truck drivers are always on the lookout for opportunities to create strategic partnerships to make their work a success. That in turn helps them make plans that are both traceable and actionable. The end result is the completion of order fulfillment in a timely as well as efficient manner.
Having such partnerships in place has also made the drivers a part of the manner in which businesses make deliveries. Their current job description in many cases encompasses customer contact and support.
Handling Sensitive Cargo
For smaller businesses, handling cargo is a major challenge. Truckers offer the dedication and experience required for this sensitive job. For starters, they have the equipment required for the job making it possible to transport all manner of goods efficiently.
With their services on hand, business operators have much lower risk of product damage, eliminating unnecessary losses. They also know the appropriate techniques for handling the goods and getting them to the destination on time. Should the need arise, they offer expedient solutions ensuring customer satisfaction.
Appreciating the New First Responders
We are accustomed to going into the store and finding the shelves packed with everything we need. If you are planning to buy a gift for a mechanic or truck driver in your life you can check out some cool gifts for truck drivers here if you prefer online shopping, it’s even simpler, all the items you need are just a click away and before you know it, they magically appear at your door.
But we may not always remember the sensitive role of the truck driver in the supply chain.
For some years now, there has been a significant shortage of this new crop of first responders. Many more truckers are retiring than those who are joining the ranks. Considering how crucial their role is in day-to-day life, remember to salute their commitment and hard work at every opportunity.
Thank you for this valuable information!