Truck Transportation Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   List the major truck lines serving your town.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Describe the role of truck transportation within commerce (the movement of goods, funds, and information).
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Describe how trucks fit into a company’s supply chain. This could be a manufacturer, importer, wholesaler, or retailer.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      On paper, map out how goods that are manufactured overseas are transported to a retailer in this country.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Describe the difference between the gasoline engine and the diesel engine that power trucks. List the advantages of each.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Visit a truck terminal and complete items 4(a) through 4(e). After your visit, share what you have learned with your counselor.
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Find out what kind of maintenance program the company follows to help keep its fleet, drivers, and the roadway safe.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Find out how dispatchers maintain communication with drivers on the road.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Talk with a professional truck driver about safety. Learn about the truck driver’s rules of the road for safe driving. List five safe-driving rules every professional truck driver must follow.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 4.d
      Review the driver’s log and find out what kind of information the log contains.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 4.e
      Learn about important federal regulations that help ensure public safety.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      Outline the general organization of a trucking company. Describe what each department does.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      List five positions with trucking companies and describe each one.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Name five government agencies that work closely with the trucking industry. Describe their role.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   List five different kinds of trucks. Tell the service each provides.
8. # Copy link to requirement 8
   Assume that you are going to ship by truck 500 pounds of goods (freight class 65) from your town to another town 500 miles away. Your shipment must arrive within three days. Explain in writing:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 8.a
      How to prepare the shipment
   2. # Copy link to requirement 8.b
      How to compare at least three carriers for time in transit and rates
   3. # Copy link to requirement 8.c
      How to choose which carrier to use
   4. # Copy link to requirement 8.d
      How to insure the shipment for damages.
9. # Copy link to requirement 9
   Explain the following terms: bill of lading, ETA, logbook, intermodal, containers, tariff, shippers, carrier, consignee, drayage, and cartage.
10. # Copy link to requirement 10
    Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian’s permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.