How often do you stop?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mister Ection, May 16, 2012.

  1. nyvulcanman

    nyvulcanman Bobtail Member

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    Apr 25, 2012
    west monroe ny
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    I stop every 3 hours to check the straps or chains on the load, thats when i will use the bathroom.
     
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  3. Treefork

    Treefork Road Train Member

    2,883
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    Mar 22, 2008
    Northeast Indiana
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    Stop every 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first for securement check required by law. Check, restroom if I need it, roll on.
     
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  4. OpenRoadDreamer

    OpenRoadDreamer Road Train Member

    6,225
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    Apr 26, 2011
    Alabama
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    Usually... When I feel like stopping. If I need a break, Im taking one. Usually its just to check my securement.
     
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  5. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 14, 2007
    Winston Salem
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    That law was changed after 9/11 to make it harder for a terrorist to hijack a hazmat load. You no longer have to stop every 2 hours but do need to do a safety tire check every time you do stop.
     
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  6. NewNashGuy

    NewNashGuy Road Train Member

    1,616
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    Jul 27, 2011
    US and Canada
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    I only stop to get fuel and when I arrive at the shipper/receiver. I remember it being hard to drive for a long time in my car, but the truck is like relaxing on a living room sofa and watching TV (the windshield). It has been months since I even spent the night at a truck stop since most of my destinations are within 10 hours so I just fuel up on duty status for 30 minutes and drive the whole way. If I have a lot of time to kill though I stop and grab some fast food, do laundry, and shower. My checks reward me for running nonstop too, I make twice as much as other guys who started the same time as me. I think another reason why I can do this is because I used to program in front of my computer for over 20 hours at times if projects needed to be done for a client right away which was very stressful. So I think I built up that tolerance to where driving is relaxing compared to hardcore calculations and memorizing functions. I am still the new guy and I hope I can continue enjoying this experience for a very long time.

    Oh there was one time when I felt beat up though... I had a multi loads going through Maryland and Virginia that were scheduled for 3 AM so I hardly got any sleep since the delivery times between the destinations didn't have any slack so it was a challenge. However I never got loads like that again and I made it through it without complaining. I probably wouldn't have been able to continue if it were like that everyday though.
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2012
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  7. BlackLions

    BlackLions Road Train Member

    Depends on the load, the weather, my mood, part of the country I'm in...

    Usually 4-6hrs...

    If weather sucks, rain/snow, I stay in the truck until I have to fuel or load/unload.

    If I've never seen the area before, I'll pull out my camera and might stop every hour or if there's something interesting to see.

    If I feel like crap or just tired, I'll stop every couple hours to stretch or splash some water on my face.

    Also, if there's a food joint that's famous or interesting, I'll stop there.


    It's not a job for me, it's an adventure and a vacation... ;)
     
  8. fisher guy

    fisher guy Road Train Member

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    Mar 22, 2009
    Ocala Florida
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    i do regional and typically put 3 loads on the ground and grab a preload that about take up my whole 14-16 hr day...the only reason why i stop during the day is to grab fuel small tanks (120gal. and 60 gal) other 60 gal. is hydraulic i do everything i need to do when at the fuel stop check tires walk around fuel and grab scuby snacks 15 minutes max

    once i start my day its gotta go till im done for the day
     
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  9. Onetruckpony

    Onetruckpony Medium Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2011
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    Stop when I think I need to.
    Could be anywhere from a few hours to a full day..
     
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  10. 1nonly

    1nonly tease-y-ness

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    4,900
    Jul 2, 2008
    The burning sands of the SW
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    I will stop every 2 hours or so. 2 reasons. First, I am prone to bladder infections, so keeping myself emptied out is important. Second, I can't sit still. My legs hurt if I don't walk around several times a day.

    I like money as much as anyone, but my physical comfort is priority. And a few 10 minute breaks is not going to make much difference. I'm not racing with other drivers to see who can burn up their 70 first.
     
  11. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2007
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    Anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. I usually pull reefers and the company wants us to do a reefer check at least a couple times a day. Also my Dr. told me to stop and get out the truck every so often. Its for the same reason someone posted earlier to prevent blood clots from forming in the leg(s). I heard reports on the news of people dying from blood clots that form in the legs,then broke loose and worked their way into a vital area stopping the flow of blood.
     
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