Assignment:
Q1. What mode(s) would be most likely used to carry the following products:
a. petroleum, b) coal, c) lumber, d) raw grains, e) furniture, f) clothing, g) canned food, h) electronics, i) semi conductors, and j) jewelry?
Q2. Name some of the trade organizations involved in the transportation industry.
Q3. Describe the duties and roles of the federal department of transportation.
Q4. Are the number and influence of domestic safety regulations increasing or decreasing in the motor carrier industry? Are the number and influence of domestic environmental regulations increasing or decreasing in the motor carrier industry? Are the number and influence of domestic economic regulations increasing or decreasing in the motor carrier industry? Overall, are the number and influence of domestic regulations increasing or decreasing? Provide examples to illustrate your conclusions.
Q5. Define domestic transportation tariff and explain its role in domestic transportation services. Include the balancing of the role of contract services with transportation tariffs.
Q6. What are the pros and cons of private fleet transportation versus third party transportation services?
Q7. How can a company economically justify owning a private fleet given the potential costs associated with empty backhauls.
Q8. What are some of the third party services offered in the transportation industry?
Q9. What is the turnover rate for drivers in the interstate motor carrier industry?
Q10. What are the legal restrictions and barriers to entry associated with becoming an interstate truck driver?
Q11. What is the economic impact of non-revenue generating activity in the motor carrier industry?
Q12. What restrictions exist in the interstate motor carrier industry regarding hours that a driver is allowed to drive without a break, rest, etc.?
Q13. How many pounds is a domestic truck legally allowed to carry in the U.S.?
Q14. What are the educational norms for varying positions of employment in the motor carrier industry?
Q15. Who is responsible for loading a truck (truck driver or shipping company)?
Q16. What protects a carrier from a “slow loading” company that delays a truck an excessive amount of time?
Q17. What are the current costs of an a) 53 foot trailer and b) a truck (power unit)?
Q18. What are common Internet services found in the motor carrier industry?
Q19. Who pays for the way (roads) used by the motor carrier industry? Is this a fixed cost or a variable cost? How does this compare to the railroad industry? How does this compare to the way used by water ships? Compare the cost advantages of each mode associated with their individual infrastructure?
Q20. How long does it take a truck to travel across the U.S.? How long does it take a railroad train to travel across the U.S.? How long does it take a water ship to travel from the east coast to the west coast in the U.S.? How do these transit times influence cost structures of shipping companies?
Your answer must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format and also include references.