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Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

Rameshwar Dubey and Angappa Gunasekaran

The purpose of this paper is to identify traits and skills of a truck driver for sustainable transportation, develop a theoretical framework and outline further research…

2313

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify traits and skills of a truck driver for sustainable transportation, develop a theoretical framework and outline further research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study undertakes a review of extant literature and appreciative inquiry, a quasi-ethnographic approach to identify traits and skills of a truck driver. Further, using a pragmatic approach, a theoretical framework has been developed.

Findings

The study proposes a theoretical framework, which can be further used for formulating training modules for truck drivers for sustainable transportation and logistics.

Research limitations/implications

The present framework needs to be statistically validated using survey data and second, the proposition of the theoretical framework needs to be tested using hierarchical regression analysis. Second, in the study the authors have used AI. However, the authors have only interviewed selected senior police officials. This may lead to bias and to further strengthen the present study, one needs to identify other regulatory authorities and human resource managers of transportation companies. However, in Indian subcontinent situation the trucks are primarily owned by unorganized sector. Hence, the owners may have five to ten trucks and this case there is no human resource manager. However, in such case an interview with truck owners may provide a useful insight.

Practical implications

The study has outlined recommendations on the basis of a literature review of extant literature and appreciative inquiry. The recommendations can further help policy makers or technical bodies run by a government agencies or privately managed to develop a training module for truck drivers to meet the future challenges of sustainable transportation.

Social implications

This research is related to truck drivers and their welfare as well as how they can contribute to sustainable transportation and logistics.

Originality/value

This research attempts to identify traits and skills of a truck driver for a sustainable transportation and logistics, and develops a theoretical framework and outline further research directions. This particular study ventures into new domain (the role of truck driver's role in sustainable logistics and transportation).

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1992

Yukio Ozawa, Yutaka Karasawa and Eiichi Moriya

Japan suffers from a serious labour shortage, particularly in thecarrier industry. Analyses the deviation between the demand and supplyof truck drivers through a forecasting model…

Abstract

Japan suffers from a serious labour shortage, particularly in the carrier industry. Analyses the deviation between the demand and supply of truck drivers through a forecasting model based on multiple regression analysis. Proposes the following solutions: establish co‐operative terminals on a basis of regional economic blocks; design optimal sites of terminal depots; and promote both modal linkage and modal shift to arrange infrastructure.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2014

Deborah G. Passey, Riann Robbins, Kurt T. Hegmann, Ulrike Ott, Matt Thiese, Arun Garg, Anita Kinney and Maureen A. Murtaugh

– The purpose of this paper is to explore truck drivers’ views toward diet, physical activity, and health care access to inform the development of a weight loss intervention.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore truck drivers’ views toward diet, physical activity, and health care access to inform the development of a weight loss intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted four focus groups via teleconference (one) or in person (three). Each focus group included eight to ten truck drivers. Sessions were digitally recorded and transcribed. The authors used thematic analysis of the participant responses to develop themes and subthemes.

Findings

Truck drivers desired good health, however, many knowledge gaps were identified. Drivers were aware of some healthy foods, but lacked knowledge of appropriate energy intake and healthy weight. Drivers expressed many barriers to eating healthy food and engaging in physical activity on the road. Participants suggested strategies and resources to improve their diet and increase physical activity.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative study included a convenience sample of 30 long-haul truck drivers. Consensus of themes and subthemes was achieved by four sessions. Issues facing long-haul truck drivers may be different than other truck drivers. Additional qualitative research should be conducted along with interventions focussed on healthy behaviors that can be implemented in the mobile working environment.

Originality/value

This is the first focus group study of truck drivers that targets eating and physical activity. Future weight loss intervention designs should address the lack of knowledge and skills. To succeed, interventions should implement strategies to address perceived barriers: access, time limitations, and high cost of healthy lifestyle habits.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Stephen LeMay and Scott B. Keller

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past 50 years of driver research from a historical context linked to the political and economic developments of the US motor carrier…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past 50 years of driver research from a historical context linked to the political and economic developments of the US motor carrier industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted and studies were targeted that exemplified eras of historic change pertaining to trucking published within the top-tier logistics journals.

Findings

Distinctive categorizations of driver research emerged: organizing era from 1930 to 1949, era of the collective mind from 1950 to 1979, era of the individual from 1980 to 2009 and the era of the driver as extension of the firm from 2010 to present. Research streams are highly influenced by current industry developments, economic conditions and the political landscape.

Research limitations/implications

The chronological framework of research established specific time-based eras. An alternative framework or other emerging eras may be conceived as scholars consider factors in addition to those explored within this research.

Practical implications

Managers within developing countries may leverage the research within a specific era to help resolve driver problems that have already been researched in the USA. Scholars are encouraged to further study truck drivers as critical extensions of the firm in light of the advances in autonomous vehicles, drones and other technology impacting the motor carrier industry.

Social implications

For nearly a half century, the turnover of truck drivers has been a major issue. This research provides driver managers with the knowledge to better understand and to more adequately provide for the needs and welfare of truck drivers.

Originality/value

This research is the first to fully connect the research and developments pertaining to the motor carrier industry, the occupation of truck driving and the historical developments of US policy and the economy.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 49 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Amer Jazairy, Timo Pohjosenperä, Jaakko Sassali, Jari Juga and Robin von Haartman

This research examines what motivates professional truck drivers to engage in eco-driving by linking their self-reports with objective driving scores.

1675

Abstract

Purpose

This research examines what motivates professional truck drivers to engage in eco-driving by linking their self-reports with objective driving scores.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is illustrated in an embedded, single-case study of a Finnish carrier with 17 of its truck drivers. Data are obtained through in-depth interviews with drivers, their fuel-efficiency scores generated by fleet telematics and a focus group session with the management.

Findings

Discrepancies between drivers’ intentions and eco-driving behaviors are illustrated in a two-by-two matrix that classifies drivers into four categories: ideal eco-drivers, wildcards, wannabes and non-eco-drivers. Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are examined for drivers within each category, revealing that drivers’ perceptions did not always align with the reality of their driving.

Research limitations/implications

This study strengthens the utility of TPB through data triangulation while also revealing the theory’s inherent limitations in elucidating the underlying causes of its three antecedents and their impact on the variance in driving behaviors.

Practical implications

Managerial insights are offered to fleet managers and eco-driving solution providers to stipulate the right conditions for drivers to enhance fuel-efficiency outcomes of transport fleets.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to give a voice to professional truck drivers about their daily eco-driving practice.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 53 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 June 2008

Wonchang Jang and Ilsoon Shin

One of the distinctive features in Korea and the U.S. trucking industries is the huge difference in the share of owner-operators. While it is around 10~15 percent in the U.S.…

Abstract

One of the distinctive features in Korea and the U.S. trucking industries is the huge difference in the share of owner-operators. While it is around 10~15 percent in the U.S., 80~90% of drivers operate their own truck in Korea. Different from historical explanations of previous researches, this paper deals with this feature theoretically. We examine what brings the difference in asset ownership structures between the Korean and the U.S. trucking industries. Using an analytic framework, we investigate the determinants of truck ownership and the changes in ownership patterns. The model introduces several parameters related to productivities of drivers’ efforts and contractibility to affect drivers’ decision, and values of these parameters in both countries are discussed qualitatively and found to be consistent with the aforementioned characteristics.

Details

Journal of International Logistics and Trade, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1738-2122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2018

Alexander Crizzle, Maryam Madani Larijani, Anita Myers, Cassondra McCrory, Pierre Thiffault and Philip Bigelow

The purpose of this paper is to solicit perspectives from stakeholders concerning health, environmental and operational challenges among Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solicit perspectives from stakeholders concerning health, environmental and operational challenges among Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in Canada (truck and bus drivers).

Design/methodology/approach

Two focus groups and one interview were conducted with key industry, government and advocacy groups representing or working with CMV drivers. Perspectives pertaining to working conditions, health issues, driver recruitment and retention, and other key issues in the CMV sector were obtained.

Findings

The findings show that undesirable working conditions are primary issues that impact recruitment and retention, as well as health and wellness (H&W), and productivity of drivers in both the truck and bus sectors. Compared to our US counterparts, finding parking areas and rest stops were seen as a major issue for Canadian truckers (particularly in the north). Unfortunately, there is limited or out-dated information on drivers and companies in Canada. Stakeholders stated the need for more information from both carriers/companies and from drivers themselves (particularly long-haul drivers).

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies gaps and key priority research areas pertaining to the H&W of the CMV sector in Canada that require further investigation.

Originality/value

CMV drivers are considered a vulnerable sector of the population. While drivers themselves have reported on undesirable work conditions leading to poor health, prior studies have not assessed the awareness or perspective of stakeholders involved in the CMV sector. This is the first study to capture stakeholder perspectives of the working conditions and health outcomes of CMV drivers.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 11 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2013

Elyria Kemp, Steven W. Kopp and Eramus Kemp

This research aims to examine the stressors that professional truck drivers experience and the impact these stressors may have on road safety.

1370

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to examine the stressors that professional truck drivers experience and the impact these stressors may have on road safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 435 professional drivers measured attitudes and behaviors related to safety and compliance. Interviews with professional truck drivers provided an assessment of the stressors that they experience. The insights offered from these individuals were then integrated into a conceptual model. The model was tested via data collected through surveys administered to drivers using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results from the interviews, as well as the results from the survey administered to professional drivers, suggest that truck drivers experience severe time pressures. Such time pressures create stress which can lead to physical fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Further, both of these debilitating conditions are related to negative attitudes about safety compliance and the current CSA regulation. Additionally, negative attitudes about safety compliance standards are positively related to violation of hours of service regulations.

Originality/value

Findings call into question the effectiveness of the new regulation with regard to commercial transportation as well as possibly suggesting that drivers of automobiles might play a role in helping to ameliorate vehicular crash rates.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 March 2021

Dominic Loske and Matthias Klumpp

Technological advances regarding artificial intelligence (AI) are affecting the transport sector. Although fully autonomous delivery, or self-driving trucks, are not operating…

1805

Abstract

Purpose

Technological advances regarding artificial intelligence (AI) are affecting the transport sector. Although fully autonomous delivery, or self-driving trucks, are not operating currently, various AI applications have become fixed components of cargo vehicles. Since many research approaches primarily concentrate on the technical aspects of assistance systems (ASs), the economic question of how to improve efficiency is seldom addressed. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to apply an efficiency analysis to measure the performance of truck drivers supplying retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

For this comparative study, 90 professional truck drivers in three groups are compared with (1) trucks without AS, (2) trucks with AS that cannot be turned off and (3) trucks with AS that can be turned off. First, we build a model investigating the impact of performance expectation, effort expectation, social influence and facilitating conditions on the behavioural intention to use AS. Second, we explore the impact of truck drivers' behavioural intention on actual technology use, misuse and disuse; operationalize these constructs; and merge them with our behavioural constructs to create one econometric model.

Findings

The human–AI system was found to be the most efficient. Additionally, behavioural intention to use ASs did not lead to actual usage in the AI-alone observation group, but did in the human–AI group. Several in-depth analyses showed that the AI-alone group used AS at a higher level than the human–AI group, but manipulations through, for example, kickdowns or manual break operations led to conscious overriding of the cruise control system and, consequently, to higher diesel consumption, higher variable costs and lower efficiency of transport logistical operations.

Research limitations/implications

Efficiency analysis with data envelopment analysis is, by design, limited by the applied input and output factors.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the first quantitative efficiency analyses of the impact of digitalization on transport performance (i.e. truck driver efficiency). Furthermore, we build an econometric model combining behavioural aspects with actual technology usage in a real application scenario.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2023

Alex Scott and Beth Davis-Sramek

Recent supply chain disruptions have highlighted the global shortage of truck drivers. Because it is a quintessential “masculine” profession, the proportion of women truck drivers

Abstract

Purpose

Recent supply chain disruptions have highlighted the global shortage of truck drivers. Because it is a quintessential “masculine” profession, the proportion of women truck drivers is small, although efforts are underway to recruit and retain women. This research offers a comprehensive and theoretically-driven empirical analysis of women in the US trucking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes a detailed longitudinal database of 20 million driver inspections from 2010 to 2019. It is paired with US Social Security Administration data to infer the gender of the driver for each inspection. Descriptive evidence is provided, and a logit model is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The research finds that female truck drivers make up 3.2% of the inspection sample, but their representation has grown by 23.1% over the last decade. Women are vastly overrepresented in the jobs that are the easiest to get and underrepresented in jobs that offer better pay, more regular hours and more time at home. However, the proportion of women in more desirable truck driving jobs has grown from 2010 to 2019, offering positive news for the industry.

Practical implications

The research offers a more credible and realistic statistic for the proportion of women in the industry, contradicting previous industry figures. The research also highlights policy implications for industry stakeholders.

Social implications

The truck driving industry is vital for a nation's economic sustainability. Truck driving jobs offer better wages and more opportunity than many non-professional female-dominant jobs. The research emphasizes the path to move into jobs that are better suited for women with domestic or family responsibilities.

Originality/value

The authors document hitherto unknown facts about women in the US trucking industry. Using theoretically driven research in organizational science, this study highlights the interplay of supply-side and demand-side factors that help to explain a nuanced perspective of the workforce composition and discusses potential policies to increase the number of female drivers.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 53 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

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