I'm not much for driving at night...

I guess it depends on who you drive for...
We run day and/or night.
One must learn to nap when you can.

 

Maybe some linehaul loads move on a regular schedule. Much of OTR can be really random stuff though.

 

The whole day/night thing is an interesting argument, in my opinion. I'm kinda old school, I believe my job is to get the freight delivered (legally, of course) regardless of what time I have to drive. I don't believe in "turning down loads" because I'd have to drive at night, I'm a driver. I drive. Any time. That being said, my hard work has rewarded me in getting a job where I can pick (bid) my starting times. I still help out when I can (my company is very strict on HOS), even if it means "flipping" my schedule. Of course, I'm rewarded for doing that. $$$

Other guys will say they've earned their right to daytime drive for various reasons. Or they'll say, "I'll drive when I want to drive". In some cases, that person will also complain because he/she isn't getting miles. There are definitely exceptions to this rule, of course.

My advice is that you should find another industry if driving at night is too bothersome. You're setting yourself up for failure (in most cases) and I don't want you on the road with me at night if you can't be safe.

I always say it's our job to be prepared to run when duty calls. Rest up on those breaks and get truckin when legally allowed.

 

Do you already have a cdl?
Where is your location?
Location is important to direct you to some local jobs with daytime work.
Do you want OTR job?

 

If your completely new, its probably best to drive during the day so you can gain the experience in regards to seeing where the back of trailer is while going around sharp turns. Last thing you want to do is rub a pole or sign or worse. Let me tell you, on dark streets with no lighting, you can't see anything back there. Its basically taking the turn wide as you can, take all the room you can get, and basically hope you don't rub anything.

 

In answering your question. Trucking is all about pre-planning. If you've got a load to be delivered early, then see if you can park at that location the night before or find something close by within 50 miles or so. The freight dictates what time you need to leave (when its ready). Sometimes you'll be required to drive at any time of day, but again it all comes down to getting your load there when its suppose to be on time. You have to figure it out and find what works for you, while getting as many miles as you can in for that day.

 

In those situations turn on the flashers. The reflection of the flashing lights will show where the obstacles are. If it's a dark dock that's tight, put a couple of soft drink cans on the ground at the dock; the flashing lights will reflect off the cans and guide you. Some drivers use a couple of flashlights instead of cans; those bright LED flashlights work well.

 

Good advice, but I probably should have been clearer. I was referring to back roads out in no where or small towns that aren't well lighted. Basically coming to a stop sign and making a tight right turn in the dark

 

Any idea how to post a new thread on this site? Whole new topic?