The role of truck driver on sustainable transportation and logistics

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify traits and skills of a truck driver for sustainable transportation, develop a theoretical framework and outline further research directions. Design/methodology/approach – The present study undertakes a review of extant literature and appreciative inquiry, a quasi-ethnographic approach to identify traits and skills of a truck driver. Further, using a pragmatic approach, a theoretical framework has been developed. Findings – The study proposes a theoretical framework, which can be further used for formulating training modules for truck drivers for sustainable transportation and logistics. Research limitations/implications – The present framework needs to be statistically validated using survey data and second, the proposition of the theoretical framework needs to be tested using hierarchical regression analysis. Second, in the study the authors have used AI. However, the authors have only interviewed selected senior police officials. This may lead to bias and to further strengthen the present study, one needs to identify other regulatory authorities and human resource managers of transportation companies. However, in Indian subcontinent situation the trucks are primarily owned by unorganized sector. Hence, the owners may have five to ten trucks and this case there is no human resource manager. However, in such case an interview with truck owners may provide a useful insight. Practical implications – The study has outlined recommendations on the basis of a literature review of extant literature and appreciative inquiry. The recommendations can further help policy makers or technical bodies run by a government agencies or privately managed to develop a training module for truck drivers to meet the future challenges of sustainable transportation. Social implications – This research is related to truck drivers and their welfare as well as how they can contribute to sustainable transportation and logistics. Originality/value – This research attempts to identify traits and skills of a truck driver for a sustainable transportation and logistics, and develops a theoretical framework and outline further research directions. This particular study ventures into new domain (the role of truck driver's role in sustainable logistics and transportation).