How do OTR drivers do it? Sitting for so long with no breaks?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ad356, Apr 17, 2021.

  1. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    It's more contagious.
     
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Drivers should stop every 2 to 3 hours and walk around some. Long term sitting can cause blood clots in the legs. Every airline I flew a long distance trip would always tell the passengers to get up and walk around every couple hours for this reason. Interesting that most trucking companies don't suggest this to their drivers. Or maybe they just don't care about their drivers health.
     
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  4. MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    So true... now we have to go to Texas or Florida for a salad bar... lol
     
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  5. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    I have no problem running miles and/or getting my loads delivered on time. I try to stop every few hours for just that 15 minutes. It stretches the legs, and lets you check over your truck. You've got 14 working hours and 11 driving hours. A required 30 min break. You have enough time to stop and stretch. If you don't, as already mentioned. You risk blood clots and bladder/kidney issues. I try to be up and running by 0600 every day. That means even with taking time to stop I am parking my truck for the night while there is still plenty of parking, too.
     
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  6. MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    Yup... I’ll run a solid 7-8 occasionally if the freight requires it... but that’s not a daily issue for me at my current carrier... if I’m not sitting on a dock for multiple hours that day I will certainly use some of that 14 to stop and stretch/piss even if it’s only 5 minutes.

    Personally, I just don’t see the need to drive 10.9 hours then rest 10 then drive 10.9 hours rinse repeat around the clock... while my days do fluctuate a bit depending on the requirements of the freight, I have no problem stopping a few times during the day... it’s good for the body and helps keep my clocks somewhat regular.
     
  7. HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    Using a piss jug is for scumbags. If you cant hold your piss till you're out of the truck then there's something wrong with you.

    And 7hrs is amateur.
     
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  8. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    Maybe this was mentioned
    But a long haul wheel base is usually much longer and also gives a better ride than some of the local trucks I see that have a shorter wheelbase than a VW bug
     
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  9. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    When your OTR, the way you make money is to run hard. The guys and girls who run hard, only stop for the mandatory 30 minute break, for fuel or to use the restroom. They are behind the wheel in the seat waiting for the last couple of minutes of their 10 hour break to end so they can start rolling. I am not trying to insult you by any means. But seriously, if you need to stop every 1.5 hours, otr is not for you. You wouldn't make any money. Otr is not for everyone, its more of a lifestyle than a job in my opinion.
     
  10. lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Some of your problem is that you have done it enough times that you have made a habit of it. I know that just the act of parking here at my home I have the urge that I must pee. I also know that it is a fake to me as it may only be a few drops. Yet habits are hard to break.
     
    tarmadilo Thanks this.
  11. JSanborn103

    JSanborn103 Medium Load Member

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    What do you think is stressful about local? Just driving the same boring route everyday?
     
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