How do you trip plan?

I don't see them as my boss or supervisor either. They are co workers and nothing more, regardless of the fancy 'fleet manager' or 'driver manager' titles they are given.

Nothing but co workers and dispatchers.

 

I go until I get tired then pull over. Try to avoid scales and toll roads. Buy fuel wherever it's the cheapest.

Pretty simple, huh ?

 

A while back I had a family event to go to. It happened to be in one of the places where my company most frequently picks up loads. like a dozen loads a day out of there. As I stay out 2-3 weeks at a time, I came up with a plan that was to their benefit. Rather then go back to the yard and take days off after a week (like 95% of the drivers do) I said just book me a load from said frequent place and have me land their the day before. Anytime before 6pm. Pickup next morning. No days off, no disruption in flow….Planner moaned and groaned, “I don’t know that I can do that.” I let him whine a bit going through his act. Then I said, “oh that’s ok, just bring me back to the yard the day before and I’ll take my three days off I’m eligible for. Sorry I didn’t mean to make that a hassle for you”
They lost me for three days driving. Lol

He called back and offered my original plan. As I’m sure you know when I’m preaching to the choir here sometimes you just gotta play them at their own game and win. They play games, you play games back. I know their tricks. They don’t like it, but they get over it.

 

What you describe is exactly the games they play.