Tag: United States

History Of The Trucking Industry

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The trucking industry as we know it, began at the turn of the twentieth century with the invention of the motorized truck. Motorized vehicles were competition for the railroad industry and became a major factor in the increase of land transportation of goods throughout the United States. The development of fuel also contributed to the increased use of trucks. As motor technology advanced and improved, there was a natural progression for the construction of paved roads. As a result, there were regulations set by the state and federal government that were to be adhered to when moving freight.

Prior to the use of trucks, trains were the most efficient mode of transporting goods because it had the capacity to accommodate bulk. Trucks were initially used to deliver items to remote locations that were inaccessible for the train. The first boom in the usage of trucks occurred during the 1920s. At this time, roads were improving and made delivery locations more accessible. Eventually more durable tires replaced the rubber tires and trucks were made larger in order to carry more goods while providing comfort to the driver.

The first trucks were extremely heavy and had crude mechanisms. Initially they were only providing delivery and hauling to the city. This restriction was due in large part because the trucks could not handle the pothole and unpaved roads. The Automobile Club of America put on the very first United States contest for commercial vehicles; the goal of the test was to examine the reliability, speed and capacity of the truck. Excited by the results of the contest, manufacturers were to meet the demand for trucks and the use of trucks for freight transportation flourished.

The trucking industry as we know it was still in its infancy when the Great Depression hit and a number of trucking companies were forced to close their operations. The companies who survived were able to benefit from the repeal of Prohibition, which also occurred during a time of economic recovery. In 1935, Congress passed the Motor Carrier Act; this act halted the legislative mudslinging between the rail and automotive providers and provided structure for the industry. At that time, the federal government became an investor into the railroad industry, which happened to have also from the depression, as well as from the emerging auto transport industry.

The Motor Carrier Act set regulations for freight-hauling. The act limited the hours that could be driven. It also mandated the classification of freight that could be carried. The owners of the trucking companies became concerned that the new regulations would compromise their competitive advantage over established rail companies. As infrastructures were improved, driver demand increased and opened up opportunity for new businesses to enter the market.

The trucking industry is a key player in the American economy through the transportation of raw materials, produce, and finished goods. Trucks are also vital to the construction industry when large amounts of materials are needed for a project. Currently, the American trucking industry is responsible for most of the movement of freight and will continue to be essential for US manufacturing and construction.

Under the regulation of ICC, companies who have for-hire trucks were required to apply for a license if they wanted like to enter the interstate markets. The guidelines were strict and licenses were granted only if it could be proven that there was a need for additional capacity. The rates, which used to be an agreement between the trucker and the customer, were put in the hands of bureaus. The rate bureaus are owned and administered by participating carriers. The bureaus job is to analyze costs and initiate pricing standards and competitive rates within the industry. In 1980, Congress put through a trucking deregulation bill. The goal of the bill was to increase competition and this competition resulted in reduced shipping costs for customers.

Prior to 1983, truck size and weight limitations were set by individual states. The federal government pushed for legislation that set limitations on the interstate highway system. In addition to increasing the size and weight limitations on truck, the law also resulted in an increase of the national gas tax and increased fees on the industry. Currently, the trucking industry is responsible for paying roughly half of all state and federal road user taxes.

The Importance Of Ppe Or Personal Protection Equipment In The Hazardous Industry

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The importance of PPE has always been ignored, but the truth is that it has been instrumental in saving the lives of millions of workers in the United States. PPE or personal protection equipment refers to the protective gear worn by workers during hazardous operations, which can be dangerous to their health and safety. This practical solution will minimize the risks of workplace related injuries, accidents or infections.

Hazards are always there at a workplace no matter what industry you are working in. Even dust or debris could hurt or damage your health if you are not protected while working. Personal protective equipment acts as a safeguard against many hazards prevailing in workplaces like fire, hazardous chemicals or dangerous objects.

For people responding or those participating in cleaning hazardous chemicals, a special gear is required to protect them from the harmful chemicals they are handling. Anyone who comes in direct contact with a hazardous chemical spill must use personal protection equipment. It allows employees to avoid hazards and properly clean the toxic substances without the fear of being exposed.

The training on how PPE can be correctly used and the focus on each component of PPE execution is covered in the 40 hour HAZWOPER training course. The very first step that each participant will learn is to choose the correct equipment to protect themselves. Improper selection of protection equipment has been known to result in irreversible harm to the workers. OSHA has put out a few requirements when it comes to the selection of personal protection equipment. The equipment must be marked only to recognizable manufacturers and must be capable of withholding any damages or infection. Those PPE which do not meet the OSHA guidelines must be avoided.

Again employees must be properly trained on how the PPE can be used. HAZWOPER training courses will provide a segment on this issue but a hands on experiment is often left out, especially with online training. Online training would provide a detailed information on the importance of PPE and on how it can be used, but OSHAs guidelines require workers to be trained with actual equipment in a course.

The use of PPE in any industry is a necessity rather than an option especially when workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals. It is the responsibility of the employers to make sure workers are well educated on the personal protection equipment.

possible career options in the insurance industry

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possible career options in the insurance industry

Do you want to make a career in insurance industry? There are ample opportunities for success and prosperity in the insurance industry. There is always a demand for insurance professionals as insurance is a trillion dollar business, where 3 million people are employed in the United States alone. Go through this article to know about possible career options in the insurance industry.

5 Possible careers in insurance industry

There are several options to make a career in insurance industry. The options are discussed below.

1.Insurance agent and broker: Insurance agents and brokers usually sell insurance policies. They are the ones whom you need to contact when you want to purchase a policy. The responsibility of an agent and a broker is somewhat same; however, a broker usually sells policies from several companies whereas, an agent usually sells policies from a specific company. Insurance brokers and agents tailor programs in order to fit individual needs of their clients.

There are independent insurance agents who work on a commission basis. However, there are also salaried agents who may or not get commissions for a sale.

2.Insurance underwriter: The primary job of an underwriter is to decide whether or not to accept an individuals application for the required coverage. An underwriter actually weighs the risk associated with a person or an entity. These insurance professionals write policies in such a way so that it becomes profitable for the company in the long run.

3.Insurance actuary: You can become an insurance actuary if you want to make a career in insurance industry. An insurance actuary is actually a financial analyst, a forecaster and a planner. Their job responsibility comprises of studying the frequency of events that cause losses along with calculating the chances of the recurrence of such events. The actuaries also calculate the cost of the resulting injuries and damages and recommend what price to change in order to insure against the probable risk.

4.Insurance adjuster: It is the responsibility of the adjuster to inspect the destroyed or damaged property. They also estimate the cost of replacement or repair and also assess whether or not the particular loss is covered by the policy. The adjusters sometimes need to negotiate with the policyholders in order to settle a claim that is genuine.

5.Risk manager and loss control specialist: A loss control specialist usually work with large insurance companies and associations. They design programs in order to prevent the losses before they occur. The job responsibility of a risk manager is somewhat same as a loss control specialist, only difference being that a risk manager works for a corporation instead of an insurance company.

It is the primary duty of the insurance professionals to look after the benefit of the company they are working for. You also require dedication and a sound knowledge about insurance in order to make a career in insurance industry.

How Much Is The Golf Industry Worth

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Golf….You’re thinking Tiger Woods, groomed courses and televised tournaments, the swing of the club, the sound of the ball hitting the bottom of the cup and the sweet smell of freshly mowed greens. However, economists think of something different- they think of 62 billion dollars!

This figure was calculated by GOLF 20/20, a project focusing on the golf-industry and its growth and run by the World Golf Foundation.

Sixty-two billion dollars is not how much it costs these economists to play golf, but is instead the figure representing the total worth of the golf industry (as of 2000). This staggering figure sums up golf facility operations, investments in courses, supplies, media, tournaments and charities as well as hospitality, tourism and real estate.

GOLF 20/20 was conducted by an independent research SRI International and was presented by Peter Ryan at the annual GOLF 20/20 conference, appropriately held in St. Augustine, Florida. The World Golf Foundation sponsors GOLF 20/20 in order to help grow the sport, and 2002 marked the first release of an estimate of the overall value of the industry. This estimate will help predict the growth of the game in years to come.

So far, past estimates have been overtaken by actual growth. In the past fifteen years the golf industry has grown so rapidly that it outran inflation and blew away estimates made in the 1980s. According to this growth, it is estimated that the industry will hold 55 million participants by 2020. Compared to other industries such as sound recording and the amusement, gambling and recreation industry, the golf industry is around $10 billion ahead.

A large amount of the golf industry depending on charitable golf tournaments, of which there were over 140,000 each year in the United States as of 2002. In total, around 15 million golfers participated in these events in 2002 grossing over $2.9 million for charity. Professional golf tournaments alone generate between $75 and $100 million, leading to an estimated total of $3,225,000,000, not including contributions made by corporations within the golf industry.

The 2002 Golf economy report (also generated by GOLF 20/20) suggests about 36 million people participated in the golf industry in that year and over 15,000 regulation courses exist for these millions of participants.

Within the golf industry, two different industries are cited by the 2002 study. First are the “core” industries of golf courses, golf wear, golf equipment, and anything else directly created for the sole use of the golf industry. The second industry includes media while real estate, tourism and travel, making up the “enabled” industry relying on golf for a large amount of business.

The core industries within golf generate the bulk of its value at $38.8 billion, while the enabled industries generate the remaining $23.4 billion.

In 2002 the total expense of golf supplies, equipment, apparel and books or magazine ended at $6 billion with the apparel market alone generation $1 billion. This marks an 11 percent growth in the golf apparel market since 1984.

Major golf tournaments grosses $871 million in 2000, as generated by fees, broadcast rights costs, corporate sponsors and spectator tickets and merchandise sales. Individual golfer endorsement earnings together were worth $225 million, also contributing greatly to the golf economy.
Finally, the real estate industry has generated $264 billion in new home construction on golf courses. The 1.5 million homes constructed in 2002 to make this total increase in value due to their location on or near a golf course.

All in all, the golf industry provides much more than an enjoyable game. This industry significantly contributes to the world economy through direct and indirect means and provides for wonderful entertainment to millions. GOLF 20/20 will continue to track the golf industry and look forward to rapid growth in the coming future.

The Wedding Industry – History, Facts And Whatnot

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In 2008, more than two million couples married in the United States alone. While in Canada, around 115,000 marriages happen daily. China, the most populous country, has 9 million marrying couples every year, spending $19,900 dollars per wedding. Such an escalating rate attracted many capitalists to what we know today as the wedding industry.

The wedding industry is composed of many business enterprises including the jewelleries, caterers, couture, flower shops, printing press, music, transportation, photography and videography. Because no company provide all of this in one-stop shop, the wedding planning sector also emerged to relieve couples from the stress. A recent study showed that one out of two brides hire a wedding consultant for the planning.

This industry has further expanded to education sector. The increasing number of schools offering certification on wedding planning and management is an evident of a sustainable industry.

In discussing such occasion with a wedding planner, the usual spending goes to reception cite, engagement ring, honeymoon, wedding rings, photography and video, rehearsal dinner, bridal gown, bridal accessories, bridesmaids, flowers, music, limousines or any transportation, formal wear, and the clergy or chapel.

The industry started as a potential commerce when women were regarded as a commodity and sold in exchange for valuable goods like cattle and grain. In history, wedding ceremonies mark the alliances of powerful tribes or families known today as arranged marriages. The following decades have changed but weddings still played an important role in the society. In some countries, a wedding ceremony reflects the societal status and economic class of a couple. Hence, lavishness in gowns, themes, and reception has become a trend.

Globalization further contributed to the growing industry. As the 60’s and 70’s marked the non-traditional wedding ‘a ceremony outside the church’ destination wedding becomes a vogue. Tourism turned out to be an important economic factor giving ample revenue to countries. The weddings of Hollywood artists greatly intensified the trend.

For example, a traditional Japanese wedding would cost a couple an average of $70,000 according to the Census of Japan in 2005. Because marrying in Guam is cheaper by 60%, the Pacific Daily News reported a 25% wedding of Japanese couple in Guam last year.

Las Vegas, Nevada is ranked as number one city where most couple from all over the world plan to wed, with around 106,000 weddings a year. It is followed by Istanbul, Turkey with 92,000 annually. Gatlinburg in Tennessee and New Orleans in Louisiana, both in the United States, are the next in line respectively. Expensive destination weddings are the Caribbean, Mexico, and almost all parts of Europe.

The Philippine wedding suppliers also penetrated the global market in 2008. Banquet Specialty Shoppe Inc. provide services to several Asia Pacific events. The Jardin de Miramar gained recognition internationally when it was featured in the international news agencies Associated Press and Reuters. Led by Mr. Lito Genilo, the Smart Shot Studio received recognitions from the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) and its local counterpart, Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (WPPP).