Which law should I break today? Trip planning and parking.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Chi Town Steers, Oct 27, 2024.

  1. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    Been at it a few months now and things are steady. I’ve been doing my very best to stay safe. Proud to say I am over 10,000 solo miles accident free, flatbed. So that’s about twice as many total trips as you van dwellers.

    I am definitely still learning. My backing needs work, no doubt. My biggest problem so far is trip planning. I knew that truck parking was rough, but had no idea how bad. I’ve found myself in the situation of asking which law do I break tonight, more than once. I’m positive many others have the same experience because I see hundreds of trucks breaking the law every single night.

    I guess I have a several questions. First, what’s the best way to trip plan to try avoid the parking fiasco, which seems inevitable. Second, let’s say I’ve trip planned properly and still can’t find reasonable parking. What’s a better solution? Park illegal or drive illegal? I’m studying up personal conveyance in depth, and it seems to me, after thoroughly researching, that parking illegally is actually the bigger risk. Am I wrong?

    Do I park illegally or drive on personal conveyance?

    any input is welcome

    - Chi Town
     
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  3. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Hey - don’t disrespect the van drivers, I like blue jeans too. :)

    Say you have a 500 mile run, 11 hours to do it.

    Look at parking options in the 80% range.

    400-500 miles along your planned route.

    If you optimally plan your day for 65mph, 11 hours - well, most times it just doesn’t work out.
     
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  4. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    I had Goodluck finding parking when I started my day between 0300-0500. I ran flatbed OTR for years and generally never had a problem when I could stay on those hours.
     
  5. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    What was said above. Plus plan your speed at 50-55. And don’t count on paid parking. That should be a back up plan. Especially because some places don’t enforce it.
     
  6. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Oh and get comfortable with backing into tight spots. If you have to goal goal. Others don’t like it they can help or ####. Might have to let them pass but it’s a spot.
     
  7. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    For me, this is the hardest part. Backing this 53 flatbed trailer is hard, and I’m improving but I generally avoid tight spots like the plague.
     
  8. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    I wish I could run at 65! Ha this Western express freight liner is governed at 66/62 and the ACC is so safe, it slows me me down 4-7 MPH anytime I’m within 500 feet of another vehicle. So if I can average even 55 I’m doing great! But I get the general idea. Anyways - skateboarders rule!
     
  9. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    I have had the best luck when I start early. I’ll keep that in mind for future.
     
  10. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Don’t try to avoid it a lot. Gotta get used to doing it sometime. A van or reefer ain’t any better. Might be worse, if you got a load that isn’t high you have a little more vision. But keep at it and goal. If it dont look right in the mirror or something seems off go look.
     
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  11. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Could do more night driving. But that has its own headaches. 2 of one half a dozen of the other. Pick your poison.
     
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