How to calculate my ETA?

800 miles ÷ 60 mph average = 13:20 driving time. Plus 30 min and 10 hr breaks = 23:50... Call it an even 24 hrs. Add 1 to 2 hours for each full 11 hours of driving = 25 to 26 hrs from time of departure from shipper. ETA = Between 0900 and 1000 the next day (same time zone).

Note: average mph can be changed to match what you actually average and this calculation will work for anyone, provided they dont dilly-dally along the way.

 

#1: I never plan on an even 10hr break. You might be parked in a nice quiet spot and then some poorly maintained reefer with a 90db exhaust on 'cycle' parks next to you. Or an international with the AC running idles all night. Or some Richard with 8" stacks that thinks 12-1500 is where his truck idles best...you're not going to get quality rest. Plan an 11-12hr break instead.

#2 plan all miles at 50mph, even in a 68mph truck. This way you won't feel compelled to run 60 through a 45mph construction site.

#3 whether you drink coffee, soda or w/e, get a nice insulated thermos.

#4 the 30min lunch break was taken away from you by your friendly neighborhood mega. You don't *have* to take it if you fuel in the middle of the day. 10min fueling + 21min at your favorite fast food joint will cover you.

#5 remember to plan time for YOU when making your trip plan. Add an hour per day to stop for a walk or any other activity that gets you out of the confines of the truck that doesn't count in with your 10hr break.

 

Whatever you do, don't use Google maps' estimated time. It is based on real time cars' speed on that route. A truck will not cover that distance as fast as a car.

 

I reply with the ETA that my gps shows + 2 hours and then say “if all goes to plant but give or take 1 hour”.

 

At 50mph, 800mi is 16hrs drive time + 10-11hr break + 10min fuel today coupled with your 21min 'break' + your 10min +21min tomorrow, you're ETA 27-28hrs from the time you actually start driving

 

Basically I go with 50mph.
800 ÷ 50 = 16hrs + 10hr break. ÷ 26hrs

Has always worked for me.

 

ETA is based on time. The amount of time it takes you to get there will only change if traffic doesn't flow at 50mph. Keep your driver manager apprised of all delays.

 

There's a trick. Don't divide. Multiply. Take the hundreds of miles and times it by two. Round up to the nearest hundred first. That's your hours of drive time. But you still need to calculate in your 10 hour breaks.

This should have been taught during your orientation with any decent new hire company.