Truck Transportation and the Trail to Eagle
Truck Transportation is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Truck Transportation Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 10 main requirements for Truck Transportation. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
List the major truck lines serving your town.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Describe the role of truck transportation within commerce.
- b.Describe how trucks fit into a company's supply chain.
- c.On paper, map out how goods that are manufactured overseas are transported to a retailer in this country.
- 3
Describe the difference between the gasoline engine and the diesel engine that power trucks.
- 4
Visit a truck terminal and complete items 4(a) through 4(e).
- 5
Do the following:
- a.Outline the general organization of a trucking company.
- b.List five positions with trucking companies and describe each one.
- 6
Name five government agencies that work closely with the trucking industry.
- 7
List five different kinds of trucks. Tell the service each provides.
- 8
Assume that you are going to ship by truck 500 pounds of goods. Explain in writing how to prepare the shipment, compare carriers, choose a carrier, and insure the shipment.
- 9
Explain the following terms: bill of lading, ETA, logbook, intermodal, containers, tariff, shippers, carrier, consignee, drayage, cartage.
- 10
Learn about opportunities in the field of truck transportation.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Truck Transportation Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Truck Transportation, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Truck Transportation is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 15 Truck Transportation requirements for you.
Truck Transportation Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Truck Transportation merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Truck Transportation is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Truck Transportation merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Truck Transportation in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Truck Transportation merit badge?
Truck Transportation is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Truck Transportation can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Truck Transportation merit badge have?
Truck Transportation has 10 main requirements with 5 sub-requirements, for 15 items in total.
