trip planning

I like getting there early if I can. That way I'm already there so the company is happy and if I can get a little rest in then I'm happy. Then check in early so the customer is happy.

 

I wish there was a "you tube video" or some kind of reading material about the process of good trip planning.
Maybe like a "checklist" or step 1,2, 3 etc, as to planning.
I'm obviously a new CDL holder, and havn't committed anywhere as of yet.
I am still in extensive research mode as to what type of driving I want to do, and with who.
I think I am making a Good decision, to research as much as I can, of most all phases of driving, before I proceed.

 

That is one skill I'm looking forward to learning right after learning how to drive a truck - LOL!

 

You wouldn't be hinting at something would ya????


Look down at my Signiture if you don't get it....\/\/\/\/\/





American Trucker

 

Solid post by the OP... personally, I like running hard at first, then coasting on in to the receiver. If I pick up in some city where afternoon traffic is an issue (L.A., for example), and I've already been up all day, I'll find a place to park and take a nap, then get up at zero-dark-thirty and start runnin' hard. If I'm on a cross-country run, I'm usually looking really good timewise by the end of Day 2. Getting to a receiver the night before (if you have a morning drop) never hurts, and you may just luck out and get unloaded early, which makes for happy customers and employers... I'll tell ya straight up, like many drivers I occasionally rewrite history, but never in glaring or unrealistic fashion, and never in a way that interferes with my sleep. That to me is more important than anything else... a driver should never feel forced to drive when tired, as that ultimately leads to disaster. Put another way, safety is more important to me than any harmless minor comic book... uh, "adjustments." Enough said... back to the game, "Adios!!!"

 

I'm with you that I wish there was some sort of tutorial out there.

Had to learn it myself, and it was tough. Even worse if you are not familiar with major roads into and through an area. Used to spend hours every night planning a way to get somewhere simple. Only thing that got me though those times were local directions in the Qualcomm and being very familiar with using a GPS.

Still not the best at it, but I can manage well enough to get where I need to go safely and on time, which I guess is all that matters.

 

When (not if - LOL) you do one - make sure you post a link

 

lol Will do!




American Trucker

 

Proper trip planning seperates the drivers who, after completing a 300 mile short trip, are telling their dispatcher that they still have (x) amount of driving hours left and (x) amount of hours left on their 14, while the driver who didn't plan well are telling their dispatcher that while they still have a few hours left on their 11, their 14 is already over.