Smith Transportation

what is with the detail questions... are you a person looking at a being a truck driver? Each and everyone of your loads is going to be different.. We could go on for years and not cover every aspect of every load... just know that you are out there 24/7 ...

 

Yes they do give you routing... it usually is on US routes and Interstates... they try to find the shortest route..but common sense does come into play... they may route you from Carisle, PA to NJ and then up 95 to Boston.. but you can take I 81 to I 84 to Mass 90 and over... common sense.. just let dispatch know.... as for high value loads ...you want to stay on their routing unless you call ahead to change routing... the customer can track you also...

Fuel... they run the system to find the cheapest.... usually at TA or Pilots...have used local stations... and the only word i have seen so far is FILL.... they base how much you are going to get on how much you have and where your next run is going... I have had half a tank and went 400 miles...then next run will get a full tank... Had 3/4 tank,,, they told me to fill after i got a high value run... all depends...they are paying for the fuel so i guess they have the right to tell me where... haha...

 

I drove for Knight for 13 months... 60% of my driving was after midnight.... try running from VA to MA during the day.. your appt may be in the morning... but you may have to start driving at 2am to make there since you had to shut down the previous day at 4pm .... you simply get to the shipper or consignee on time .. how you arrange your driving is up to you. If you are really a truck driver then I would not have to be explaining this to you... If you want something during the day only then find a local company that works 8-5..... OTR is 24/7.... Your job is to get to the shipper or consignee for your appt or loaded trl. if it is a 24 hr yard then life is easier.. You deal with the traffic, shipper and consignee headaches,, driving at night, morning, afternoon, evening, 7 days a week.. If you drive at night be aware that rest areas are full... you need be aware of your times your body wants to shut down. mine is about 1am and 5am... I am aware of it and try to schedule my rest stops at a trk stop for a break at these times...or find a safe haven and take a nap..

 

We really call the shipper and tell them when they might expect us.. and the week or month we might be able to get the freight to the consignee.. that is if we feel like making the run that day..