How often do you stop?

I try not to drive more than three hours in a stretch because it's not good for your body to sit still any longer than that. In addition to potential circulation problems and stress on the back, sitting for prolonged periods--especially in a bumpy, bouncy truck--sets the body up for that old trucker disease: hemorrhoids. I know it's easy for the young drivers to think they're immune, and I'm one of those (relatively) young drivers myself, but I'd rather get out of that seat every few hours and use that ounce of prevention than risk waking up one morning with a fanny on fire. Some drivers have also developed carpal-tunnel problems from the vibrations in the steering wheel, even the newer ones with built-in padding.

When I first started OTR I used to like knocking out at least five or six hours before my first stop, just to get half the day over in one shot but what I've found, to my surprise, is that my days actually seem to go by quicker and a lot easier if I make sure to stop every three hours or so. Obviously the days aren't actually going quicker, and surely I push my 11 farther into my 14 than absolutely necessary, but my perception of the shift's length makes the day seem easier if I take my breaks. And I tend to be less tired at the end of the day if I get out of the cab and stretch my legs every now and then.

 

Yes yes yes...
Stop when your body tells you it wants to.
I was a hard core driver ...only got out to fuel and grab a bite to eat..run days at a time to get that load delivered.
What I got for it is, bad knees, bad back, bad kidneys, arthritis in both hands and shoulders, and a few other "rewards" for abusing my body to save a few hours.
None of companies I did this for are any help, when told about my pain most answered with "can you get one more load in by tomorrow?"


Take care of yourself, you only get one try.

 

I am glad to see you mention the breaks. I love to drive but I need to stretch my legs every few hours also (and take a leak!).

 

I try to stay at it as long as I can & try to keep it simple, fuel, do a walk around, coffee,maybe grab a snack, bathroom and get back at it until I am out of hours for the day,
If I have to make a quick stop I just pull into a rest area, do a walk around since I am already out of the truck and then head back out.

 

Your first paragraph here is almost verbatim of what I was going to post. Sure, there will be (very few) times when you really do need to keep moving. But take those breaks. Take a stroll, empty your bladder, stretch your back. Your body will thank you for it on down the road a few years.

 

every time i see a mc donalds!

 

Stop once for fuel and one break during my 11. When I was driving team we stopped maybe 3 or 4 times a day.

 

I usually run about 4-5 hours then I'll stop to check my equipment take a break and get it again. I try to run as long and hard as my body will let me but it all depends on the load schedule and hours available to run.

 

Generally i'd stop every couple hours depending where i was. After doing this as long as i have you pretty much know where you want to stop. To the guys who mentioned checking the load and tires HATS OFF TO YOU,to the guys who get in it and stay in it 4+ hours at a time without at least checking the tires THUMBS DOWN you are the guys we see on the side of the road with side by side flats. Just my opinion!