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.

People have many assumptions about the status of the logging industry. This could be due to the number of layoffs in the industry resulting from the economic downturn of the past few years. It is difficult to get exact information about the number of people who have lost their jobs because of the recession. This has created big differences between the number of people terminated and those that are being recruited. Moreover, it is undeniable that there are many problems in the logging industry that have caused a critical situation to exist.

Worker Enticements

In spite of this ongoing crisis, the logging industry is attempting to find creative ways to make it more enticing and appealing. In fact, future projections in Washington are expected to show progress being made, which is quite the opposite of what had been projected. The effort of logging companies to cope with the recession is actually praiseworthy and the annual revenue of the logging industry is reaching billions of dollars. To be exact, Atlanta is making $28 billion annually.

Common Problems

Some of the more common problems that are encountered by many workers when applying for jobs within the logging industry include the monthly salary, insurance premiums, health benefits, retirement packages, and compensation packages. On top of this, most potential employees have the impression that this is not a lucrative field in which to earn a good salary; yet the fact is that some logging companies are booming and will continue to grow in the global market.

There is also the problem of the effect of testing for drug abuse. For whatever reason, drug testing in this industry is putting a heavy price tag on keeping a reliable workforce. Contractors are finding it increasingly difficult to retain employees due to this one issue. On the plus side, those companies and contractors that enforce a drug-free workforce will pay reduced worker compensation premiums.

Increased Core Compensation

Five years ago, new employees shied away from applying for jobs in the logging industry because they were required to pay for certification programs and training for safety awareness just to work with forestry equipment without receiving any type of compensation for those incurred expenses. Additionally, the wages were rather low. The annual mean salary for a typical logger in United States ranges from $30,260 to $33,269.

Currently, the anticipated yearly salary for all logger jobs is expected to increase due to the tight competition in the global arena. The core annual compensation amount could reach up to $50,041 per employee. Core compensation includes: base salary; social security; 401K/403B plans; disability insurance; healthcare insurance; pension; and paid time off.

The logging industry has been clouded with negative notions brought on by the economic recession and the future remains uncertain for this particular business. Perceptions have existed that this was an unstable working environment because the monthly salary was low with minimal benefits and too many requirements to be certified to do this work. This type of business is losing its appeal because of the upswing battle against the global market. Yet, due to new regulations, strategies, employee benefits, innovations such as bio-fuels and better forestry equipment, working in the logging industry has become more appealing. This can only hope to give the logging industry a brighter future!

Today a friend from who worked at a Designer Apparel company called me somewhat depressed. His company closed their showroom and he has been out of work for 4 months without any prospects for work. I felt his pain and asked him to join me for lunch so we could figure out his next step. Over lunch I asked him how he was feeling. Frustrated, concerned, worried, and wondering if he would find work were some of the emotions. He did everything you are taught to do when looking for a job. He had called everyone he knew, went on line to see what jobs were posted, sent resumes everywhere, but to no avail. Well, my first step was to change his attitude. Because feeling the way he was feeling was not going to help him one bit. Then I asked him where the opportunity was in this challenge? How could he turn it around so that his next position was perfect and soon? By the time we were done he had the beginnings of a great plan which if he follows through (which knowing him I believe he will) could give him his own business, that he would love, with the potential to earn oodles of money. I also told him to get the book “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield to help him bring his plan to fruition. Which brings me to the basic concept which is: “Where is the opportunity in every challenge that you have?” Remember the right attitude is a big part of succeeding.

With the economy being what it is today every industry is fighting for survival and the fashion industry is no exception. Fashion is the only industry where styles go “out” of fashion and then they come back “in”. In a sense it is a very volatile and fickle industry. And in to this whirlpool of movement and the ins and the outs of fashion came The Recession.

With this economic scenario what is a person to do? Jobs are essential as more often than not, based on the take-home people are paying off mortgages, credit debts and loans. All your regular tried and tested ways of getting another job when the job market is so tight are sometimes in vain. You would really then need to sit back and take a long hard look at your methods and come up with something where you get a job and one that you enjoy that meets your career expectations.

Finding a job during recession need not mean you have to compromise to an extent you feel you are short changing yourself. It just means you have to find a way to get a foot in the almost closed door and make it open for you. Employers are now looking to boost their revenue potential and one way you could present yourself as a potential candidate is to focus on companies that are still growing. If your resume highlights your successes rather than your oh-so long list of qualifications then you stand a better chance at getting the second call. “Over-qualified” is a curse during recession because the more your degrees and diplomas the more prospective employers feel you are looking for a large pay package. Don’t forget, people are still buying clothes, shoes, handbags whatever just not as much. The fashion industry cannot come to a grinding halt we just have to continue wading their way through the recession period so cost cutting is paramount in our thinking.

You want that job and you want that the employers should notice your resume among the thousands they receive. Don’t fall in to the old trap of sending out a standard resume to a large number of companies. Doing this means you have given all companies an open invite to your resume thereby negating its potential value and you are commoditizing yourself. Your resume needs to stand out.

Jamie Varon 23, had her heart set on working at Twitter. She already applied for a position on the companies website. She had asked a friend at Google to put a good word in for her. She even showed up at the company’s web site with a bag of cookies in an effort to charm the recruiter into meeting with her. All to no avail. What she did next was sheer brilliance. She created a web site called twittershouldhireme.coom which included her resume and recommendations plus a blog which detailed her quest. Within 24 hours the company contacted her and she had a meeting set up at Twitter. She also received two job offers from other tech companies that had noticed her site. Talk about thinking outside the box. This is the kind of thinking you need to do in order to stand out from the crowd.

Your first move should be to make a list of what kind of job you really want. Design the job in your head. Than write down what it looks like down to the details of what you will be doing each day, how you will dress, and what you will be paid. Don’t let fear take over. By taking time off to detail what you are looking for you are giving yourself a vision of what your next job is. Than start looking at companies that fit the bill. Once you have narrowed them down to the top 15 – 20 companies, next start your campaign to find a job in those companies. Again be creative, look for companies that are doing well and growing. There is always someone doing good business in every kind of economy.

Four years ago I found myself unemployed. The division I ran for 17 years was being closed and there wasn’t another position being offered. This was a crushing blow as I thought of this company as my home. While I was incredibly upset on the day it happened the next day I found myself excited by the possibilities. Wow, I could reinvent myself. Four years later I have an even better position as President of a major celebrity brand with a very successful company making more money than at my previous company. Again having the right attitude is a major part of the process.

The next step is your resume. Seek help from professional resume writers. Remember if you reveal everything about you in the resume then you are giving the reader an open invite to make snap decisions. Matters are complicated enough what with your resume having to clear three levels in one go, the junior HR recruiter who is working on key words, the next level manager who is looking for experience and skills and finally the actual recruitment person who has to ensure you are the right foot for the shoe. A sluggish economy requires that your resume must fit every framework. Be exact and not vague in detailing your eligibility. They are looking for people who can think on their feet and offer viable solutions not general ideas.

Your aim is to let your prospective employer know you are flexible, your experience can only bring positive results to your new job, you are able to read situations, take required action and get positive results whenever the need arises. If you feel you can start at a lower salary for a short period on the condition that you will get an increment when the economy settles, be open to it. This indicates your willingness to adjust to the constraints the company is facing. It is always more important to take the best position than the most money as that is what will make your career more successful. In the fashion industry there are always people jumping from job to job with no staying power. Those peoples career always self destructs eventually. You need a home not just a paycheck. The money always comes as you grow in your career.

Now you have the interview. What are the next steps? You need to sell yourself in the interview the same way you would sell any product. Make a presentation on how you would benefit the company and fulfill their needs. Do your research. Know the company, know the job and it’s requirements and than show how your experience and strengths would solve their challenges. Show examples of how you have done this in the past. Be open and friendly in an interview and do not bring up any negative points. Do not tell them how hard it is to find a job, do not trash your old company or boss. Be very positive. Prospective employers want to work with pleasant people. I always wonder about negative people and have never hired one. I look for people who really want the job but are not desperate for the job.

Getting a job during recession is not an impossible task. All it requires is a little effort on your part, a little patience and some clear ideas on how you can bring opportunity to your doorstep.

Copyright (c) 2009 Create My Career

Animation industry is undoubtedly one the fastest and prospering industries in the world. There have been lots if developments and advancements in the animation technology. With the increase of satellite channels and Internet, the animation industry is also booming rapidly. A large number of animation courses have been introduced in the market and animation institutes are also at large in every city and town of India.

Earlier animation movies and shows were aimed at children and were made in a moderate budget. The use of modern and advanced technology was limited. Animation industry was not quite a profit-making business and job opportunities were also lesser and unwelcoming.

However, in the last couple of years, animation industry has made a phenomenal progress. Today animated movies are made with the latest technology and special effects. An entire team of animators looks after it and a big sum of money is spent on the production of the movies. These movies are not just limited to children only but even mature audience, youngsters and family also enjoy such an entertainment. The best example for the latest animated movie is Avatar, which is made on a very high budget and equipped with the latest technologies and software of animation and multimedia.

Animation industry has come a long way from traditional 2 Dimensional images to the 3 Dimensional. 3D animation software is one of the most advanced and latest trends in animation industry. It is appreciated world-wide. All the latest animated movies are made with this technology only. The 3D version brings life to the animated characters and connects them directly with the audience. People of all ages enjoy the experience of 3D version and this was also proved by the unusual success of Avatar not just in the USA but overseas. India has also produced 3D version movies like hanuman or Bal Ganesh. These movies have also earned a huge appreciation from the Indian masses and are still popular among kids. The success of animated movies in India has encouraged the development of some new advanced animation software.

Today animation industry is not just restricted to movies but animators could find employment in other areas like TV soaps, News-papers, Magazines, advertisement agencies, websites, video games firms etc. Video game industry uses 3D technology and it is has one of the most thriving market in India and today game industry is thrice the size of Hollywood Industry. Therefore, people with a thorough knowledge of 3D animation technology can make a promising career in this domain. Animators working in a prestigious animated movie project earn a good sum of money. They need to work in a team with other animators.

Due to the constant developments and technologies in the animation industry, a number of courses have been introduced in the animation. Some of the important ones are mentioned below;

– Visual Principles and Syntactics
– Animation Scripting and Technique
– Photo Communication
– BA (Hons.) Design Ecologies
– Special Effects
– Computers for Animation
– Animation Enginerring
– 3D Studio Max Complete
– Z- brush
– Combustion
– System Management

There is no doubt the animation industry is prospering fast so is the career in this profession. You could choose a career in Graphic Designing or computer designing. They both promise a bright and flourishing future.

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