OK guys, I need input from all of you.

That's easy. The only reason you'd ever really be on that stretch of 95 hell through NYC or Conn is if you're going to NJ, otherwise you're probably going to be on 84, then you'll head back south through either 87 to 287, which is always a clear road, or you're going to cut over to 81. That stretch of 95 is really the only part that's consistently bad outside of accidents happening... Just gotta be smart. Take your break at rush hour, and don't rush back. You have a few hours on your 14 to still get your full 11 in, you just gotta be smart. You're pretty much going to only be down for your 10 hours, and spending your full 14.

I did NE regional and was still easily doing 5-600 miles / day between between NJ, NY, and Conn in a governed truck. Going farther east through PA and south I never really had any problems staying over 600.

It's not as hard as people make it seem. North East is easy. Just when there's traffic, go sit down and eat and relax a little bit (hint: it comes at the same times every day, plan ahead). Parking is the only real challenge up here, but lots of walmarts are awesome, plus ask the warehouses if you have a late pickup or delivery, locals usually know those places outside of truck stops that trucks can park... Just get used to showering on your break, and bringing food for the truck.

 

I too did regional out of the Southeast, pretty much the same states you mentioned. Get your Hazmat, go tanker, make more money, better runs. I'd never even consider dry van. I'm spoiled rotten. Tanker-for-life. Schneider will train you for tanker. Get a year under your belt then run.

 

If you are at this 17 years, you should already know where to look for work.
By saying you don't run to a region, you just limited yourself by about 75% as being in VA the northeast is a very real possibility.
I say p/u cans. Then you are on your own and can refuse any work you choose..