Truck Transportation
Merit Badge

NOTE: The official merit badge pamphlets are now free and downloadable HERE or can be purchased at the Scout Shop.

1. List the major truck lines serving your town.
Resource: Search Trucking Companies - Find Carriers By City And State (website)

2. Do the following:

3. Describe the difference between the gasoline engine and the diesel engine that power trucks. List the advantages of each.
Resource: Diesel vs. Gasoline Engines: Key Differences Explained (video)

4. Visit a truck terminal and complete items 4(a) through 4(e). After your visit, share what you have learned with your counselor.

5. Do the following:

6. Name five government agencies that work closely with the trucking industry. Describe their role.
Resource: Trucking Industry (website)

7. List five different kinds of trucks. Tell the service each provides.
Resource: Different Types of Trucks and Their Uses (video)

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:

9. Explain the following terms: bill of lading, ETA, logbook, intermodal, containers, tariff, shippers, carrier, consignee, drayage, and cartage.
Resources: Decoding Freight Abbreviations, Acronyms and Initialisms (video)
What's That? Bill of Lading (BOL) (video)
What's That? Intermodal & Multimodal (video)
What's That? Container vs. Trailer (video)

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.
Resources: What Career Opportunities are in Trucking? A LOT! (video)
What Life Is Like for a Trucker on the Road | NewsNation (video)
How to Become a Truck Dispatcher in 5 Steps? - Beginner Training (video)
Logistics Coordinator Job Description (video)
5 Must Have Skills to earn $10,000 a month as a Truck Dispatcher (video)