Need Advice on Urgent situation, scheduling situation.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by RdRunnr, May 4, 2019.

  1. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Remember this K&B trucking video. Look how dispatch plays games thinks sleeping on command for 20 hours is good Idea. We all should be able to sleep 20 hour straight. Kinda crazy

     
    Last edited: May 4, 2019
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  3. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    Flipping schedules can be hazardous. Doing it every now and then should be doable though. If you only manage a couple hours sleep before the flip, then take a couple more hours to nap during lunch, or even earlier if you have to. Advise your driver manager that due to the sleep schedule shift, you are shutting down for a 2 hour nap so you can drive safely.

    If they give you a hard time about not wanting to drive tired, then it's time to get a new driver manager, move to a different part of the company, or find a new company.
     
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  4. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    If I worked like you do. I’d change to something with a more regular schedule.

    If I deal with 20 hours between runs. I’d take a good dose of melatonin. You’ll oversleep.

    I do OTR. Really odd hours. Somehow I work it out. Rarely have to push it tired. Last time I did. Took a problem run after being up all day. I made my 30 into a good hour of sleep. Needed it. I also cut the running a little short that one night. Needed to get to sleep badly. My company wouldn’t criticize me. Even though the load was to deliver ASAP. Made it in good time.
    I realize you don’t have this luxury. You have to keep running. Which leads me back to my first paragraph.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2019
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  5. GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

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    I cam appreciate the advice given, but as a company driver i always told them, night shift or day shift. I’m not swinging back & forth. It was a hard line for me, and i always stood my ground. Jb has enough drivers to handle the account & properly dispatch their drivers.
     
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  6. king Q

    king Q Road Train Member

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    Can't believe some of the views.Many just believe all people are wired like they are. Truth is some people can sleep on command and others cant . Some conditioning can help but there is no denying people are different on a biological level. Some jobs/tasks are better suited to individuals with different traits. Find something that fits with your natural abilities. It's a lot less stressful that way.
     
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  7. Snow Monster

    Snow Monster Medium Load Member

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    If I knew 20 hours ahead of time that I had a load to go, I would have prepared by breaking up my sleep, 4 to 6 hours initially, stay awake for 6 to 8 hours and take care of business and obligations, sleep another 3 or 4 hours, then take a casual drive to the terminal and prepare the truck to go.
    If the load is ready ahead of time you might gain an hour for a short nap along the way or show up early at the receiver.
    If the load's not ready, have another short nap or go for a walk, maybe double check the truck again or clean the dash.
    If the load came out of the blue 20 hours after my last log entry and I was tired at the time, I would refuse the load unless they extended the delivery time so I could grab some sleep when needed.
    It's hard for some folks to do, flip flopping all over the sleep map, but it can be done, conditioning, commitment, deprivation of personal life.
    You have to give up some of life's little pleasures, family time, video games, concerts, bars, supper at the in laws, car shows, ballroom dancing, and make the truck your main priority, be rested and ready to go with a plan in place at the drop of a hat.
    Personally, after a few years of working crazy hours I was able to sleep at will and wake up at the desired time without an alarm clock, and if I was well rested could run for 20 hrs before I needed another nap.
     
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  8. mikeposttown

    mikeposttown Light Load Member

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    Yeh sounds sucky
    i'd hate to have to sit like that and then work opposite time shifts..
    get a local job .. if u can
     
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  9. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Subscribed
     
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  10. RdRunnr

    RdRunnr Bobtail Member

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    I appreciate the advice guys. Like I said I've done that type of load often for the company but I'm still a beginner driver and it breaks me sometimes. My sleep schedule completely falls apart but I guess it is what it is. Maybe best option is finding a different schedule within the company if at all possible on the same account.

    Again thanks
     
  11. Tombstone69

    Tombstone69 Road Train Member

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    That's the sort of scheduling that causes sleep disorders. I'm an Insomniac and it sucks, no matter how much sleep I get, I never feel rested. I would sign off on that assignment, you're health is more important, especially if you're a yung'in.
     
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