The transportation and logistics industry represents approximately 9% of the US gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to approximately $930 billion in revenue. (IRS) This unique industry continues to grow at estimated levels every year. History: In 1769, a French engineer named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot introduced what became known as the first steam-powered automobile. His invention resembled that of a tricycle although it was not the average size of a tricycle but was strangely oversized. It was conceived as a means of transporting cannons for military use, when unloaded his invention had a tendency to tip over due to its weight. After its invention, many other engineers attempted to market their improved versions of Cugnot's automobile, with additional features that would allow them to transport not only cargo but also passengers. Legislation was passed prohibiting them from driving their vehicles on public roads. This movement led to the birth of the railway system. In the late 1800s the first automobile with a gas engine was introduced and among these were the first trucks called motor wagons. These powered wagons became known as substitutes for the horse and buggy. Although many of these wagons resembled buggy ones, the result was a heavy body that allowed only short trips over rough roads. Of course this new invention presented its share of obstacles; they were considered unreliable and were often destroyed by operators as they had little or no knowledge of how these carriages worked. Refueling these wagons becomes another major concern for truck operators as the steam system they used them in required them to stop every few minutes. schedules and relo...... middle of sheet ......uto.htmlInternal Revenue Service. Overview of the trucking industry. LMSB-04-1107-075. Retrieved May 9, 2008, from: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=170623,00.htmlLeray, C. Biodiesel. (2008) Retrieved May 20, 2008, from: http://www.cyberlipid.org/glicer/biodiesel.htmN. Snell. Transport and logistics guide. (2008) Retrieved May 9, 2008 from: http://www.work.comU.S. Department of Employment and Training Administration. Transportation industry. (October 2006) Retrieved May 9, 2008, from: http://www.doleta.gov/BRG/Indprof/Transportation.cfmSupply Chain Digest. Logistics cost survey. (2006). Retrieved May 13, 2008, from: http://www.scdigest.com/assets/reps/SCDigest_Logistics_Cost_Survey_2006.pdfMadison, N. What is a Freight Broker? (2003) Retrieved May 9, 2008, from: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-freight-broker.htm