Backing tired

I work north east regional flatbed running 5 loads average from Sunday to Friday night. It's not unusual to have back to back 13+ hour days untarping, unstrap, folding, then putting them all back on a new load and fitting 10 hours of driving in to barely make it on time for delivery.

When I get to a truck stop late in the week I'm beat. I'll find a spot, stretch a little, get out and look at the spot. Sometimes I'll put a flashlight at the end of it so I don't go too far and can see the whole line.

What else can I do to help up my alertness and patience? I've been lucky ending at terminals or finding/making an easy spot. Haven't had to wiggle into a tight spot but eventually that luck will run out.

 

Turn on the emergency flashers while backing after dark. The reflections of your emergency flashers on the two trucks you're backing between will aid you.

 

Sounds like a hectic schedule. I'd say getting out and shaking off the road a little before backing up is your best bet. Loading up on sugar, coffee, etc., would only inhibit the much needed rest you need after getting that rig situated.

 

should always have flashers when backing. helps see and for safety. lets people know your intentions.

 

Yeah exactly. Chemical stimulants will just make things worse.

 

If I were fatigued to the point of not trusting my skills, I would just pull straight into a spot and worry about backing out of it when I’m rested. You’ve gotta do what ya gotta do to make it to another day.

 

I try to always park at the next mornings delivery. Saves your clock in the am while unloading and backing when tired isn't an issue. I fuel up and get a shower mid day when the truck stops are empty.

 

The country operates on a 40 hour week. Yet we are expected to put in up to 14 a day, not sitting at a desk but operating 80,000 pounds 70 feet long. Insanity. Posted this before but try B-12. At the very least it's good for you. I know the rule is GOAL, but when you are at 14 hours and have done this about 20 times already it's rough. We had a gravel yard with no lighting. One driver did what the other poster suggested-drove in instead of backing. Got stuck and caught hell. Some days you can't win.

 

it is not unusual to be more tired doing regional than OTR. i have done many jobs and yes, regional you just get more worn out.

as far as backing, do it slower than normal. maybe if possible, on your "30", take a power nap. but make sure, it is NO MORE than 30, set the alarm clock, whether you put your self over the steering wheel or the bunk.

at the time you get to a truck stop in the north east, you can't really find much parking at any truck stops or rest areas.

in your particular situation, you really may want to consider the reserved parking at the truck stops, and turn in the receipts for reimbursements. if your company refuses to reimburse you?

seriously, there ARE other flatbed companies in N. E.

 

I would first have them push the delivery times a bit more, no excuse to run that tight.

If not I would look for another job, you won't make it and life is too ****** short to kill yourself over this crap.