70hrs 6 and 34 or roll forever

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by UturnGirl, Nov 20, 2021.

  1. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

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    Which do you think is the better way to run? Pound out 70 in 6 days and take a 34 or keep it rolling 7 days a week? Why?
     
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  3. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Mostly it depends on the runs and appt times. In theory one can make more miles running out the 70 and taking a 34. Problem is, in real life thanks to appointments it's rare to be able to do that.

    Personally I'm fairly lazy. I liked running recaps because it means that every day I had a bit more time to relax. The negative is there is never a full day off to 'recharge'. For me the recharge was never an issue because I'd recharge during the home time.
     
  4. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    It depends on the week. You'll know when you get there what you need to cross the finish line and be in a good position for next week.
     
  5. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

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    Your answer reflects my experience exactly. Up until the last 2 years, I always found myself running recaps because of load configuration. Then I got into hauling 1200 to 1500 mile loads mostly drop and hook. I found each day exhausting but relished the consistency of a weekly recharge. Now my new job pays every bit as well but it's back to the old roll every day and I'm struggling to adjust.
     
  6. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    I find I need a day off regularly to keep me from getting burned out. Basically, if I'm earning recap hours, I'm ready for a day off. Sometimes I'll burn through my 70 and have to take a 34. But, usually not. Loads and schedules determine how it works out. But, hauling reefer which is usually live loading and unloading, I tend to lose too much time to be able to burn up my 70.
    I also 'stay out' about a month and a half to two months between hometime visits and take around a week off when home. While I'm out I'll take my days off wherever I am. And, if it's somewhere I like, I may just take 2 days.
    I really enjoy being OTR and the ongoing adventure it is for me. But, gotta maintain a balance of work and free time.
    My company, Swift, seems to be fine with all of it and it's one of numerous reasons I stay driving for them.
    And a day off is where I can stop at a reasonable time the day before, wake up spend the day doing whatever and not have to worry about the next load until the following morning. Getting stopped at midnight and then having to get to bed super early because my next load is at 2AM the following morning is NOT a day off. Getting stopped by around 10PM the previous day, or earlier, having a real day off and not having to start my pretrip until around 7AM or later the next day IS a day off.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2021
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  7. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    I watch my $$ and when I can get offload and reloaded

    I will run hard if I know I can get empty across the country early Friday and reloaded
    Then I can either easy pedal the weekend and start going time back or take a break

    I can run recaps for weeks. Usually something comes up that will either give me a few short days and build time or I just get stuck maybe a day if something isn’t ready and at that point I’m good grabbing my RS and taking the load a day later with full hours

    If I knew I’ll end up with a RS I try and plan it so I’m at a decent place for the time and get my truck cleaned / laundry / shopping done and by then I’m ready to go again
     
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  8. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    I like to run recaps. Once I hit the 3 week mark or so, I let my dispatcher know I am taking a 48. I try to find an inexpensive motel with truck parking on occasion. They are pretty easy to find in the lanes that I run
     
  9. UturnGirl

    UturnGirl Road Train Member

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    That sounds like a good plan. Nice way to combine both.
     
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  10. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    I have a wife and a grandson that we’re raising, so I like getting home on Friday and going back out on Sunday.
     
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  11. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    Im kinda bi-polar. I change my mind daily.
    But if my body runs down. Or my mind isn't right. I'm done I will deliever the load and not book another Untill I'm right.
    You see I used to push for a 34 for every time my recap dwinddled down to 2-3 hours. Then I got ring worm from a Texas truck stop shower. Now I try and take them at my house or a friends house.
     
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