A month in

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Gumper, May 11, 2018.

  1. Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

    1,579
    3,847
    Jan 7, 2018
    Butte, MT
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    I’m using paper. I don’t blatantly break the rules like I sometimes used to at my last job because any violations will now come out of my pocket. I’ll admit to checking the load or fueling on my 30 minute break, but sometimes I take a full hour for a break because I feel like it. It’s my equipment, and I’ll do whatever I #### well please during my “off duty” time. Once I cut my 10 hours short by 30 minutes because I was parked at the receiver, and they were ready to unload me before the full 10 was up. They allow me to park on their property every time I go there, so I felt obliged to run with their schedule. After I was empty I hung out, ate breakfast and planned my day out for half an hour. If only some common sense and resolve could be a part of the HOS rules. It’s too bad so many wheel monkeys lack either of those things which is why we are where we are in the industry.
     
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  3. nax

    nax Road Train Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
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    I dont feel like I'm "giving my time away for nothing"...

    What I meant was that I dont have to "race" to the next stop, as I hum along @ 63MPH.

    I've noticed that these recievers are giving way too much time for the delivery window, allowing for ELOG issues.

    I'm taking advantage of these as needed, similar to what @Gumper is doing below...

    I will take the required rest, but also "adjust my log" to show reasonable (i.e. Speed/Distance/Time) progress, should I be asked to show my logs to "The MAN"

    I'm now able to do full resets, and still snag a load, all while being legal - with no stress, like elog guys
     
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  4. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    Apr 12, 2016
    Chicagoland
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    The reason why I could not take a longer detour via home this weekend is that 1. I was unloaded for 5 hours at Walmart...then I was loaded for 5 hours and then I had only 3 hours left on my ELD. I spent total of 10 hours on my butt, getting loaded/unloaded...to be able to drive only 1.5 hours in order to park and sit another 10 hours....that's BS. I wish I could be off that ELD. I could have driven 750 miles straight home (at 65 mph), would have spent weekend at home and on Monday at dawn I'd go to St. Louis to deliver. Now I am sitting here typing this BS.
     
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  5. nax

    nax Road Train Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
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    Scenario described by @TallJoe is exactly why I love paper logs.

    Not because I want to cheat, but I prefer to be home, even if it means 63-65mph that be stuck in truckstop.

    Paperlogs allow me to keep moving, when necessary, and shut it down for 3 days, without the pressure of speeding, or missed timelines.
     
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  6. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

    1,913
    1,628
    Sep 2, 2010
    Indiana
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    Congrats on your first month. Those first few months can make you real nervous. Building up a cushion in your business account is the best thing for relieving that stress I find.
     
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  7. hasrem

    hasrem Bobtail Member

    47
    8
    Apr 16, 2018
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    How long did you drive before going o/o? Did also consider leasing on?
     
  8. nax

    nax Road Train Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
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    I can answer that.

    How long did I drive before going o/o? ----> 3 months, local gig

    Did I consider leasing on? -----> Yes, then decided against it. No need to give up 10-34% of my gross, and still be at the mercy of the dispatcher.

    Now, I turn the key when I feel like, and shut it down when I want to. No unwanted loads. No B.S.

    Most important of all: No one to blame but ME.
     
  9. DSK333

    DSK333 Road Train Member

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    Jan 27, 2018
    Pennsyltucky
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    Glad to hear things are going well for you. ATS has 3-5 quick pay for free. Never hauled for them but it may be something to consider. So you still have 11k out in receivables. Is everyone paying you within your agreed time schedules (net 30 etc)?
     
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  10. hasrem

    hasrem Bobtail Member

    47
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    Apr 16, 2018
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    How much is your insurance and what all is covered under it? Do you have a truck payment? I want to follow in the same foot steps, but id like to at least spend 6 months with a company learning.
     
  11. nax

    nax Road Train Member

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    2,253
    Dec 14, 2016
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    ins: 1500/mo --- all standard limits
    trailer: 400/mo rent
    truck note: ZERO
     
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