Biggest Problem I'm having as a new driver.

Logistics plays a huge roll in all this . I ran 4 moving trucks locally for years so logistics is second nature for my one man operation . Trucker path and learning the route will help out , roll out early if you can.

 

There are hidden gems throughout the country that ALWAYS have parking regardless of time. Don't be afraid to go to places other than the major truck stops, tho some of them fall into this category. Download the trucker path app and skim thru comments, most are whiny truckers complaining about anything they think of but it will often be noted by a driver or two if there tends to be parking available late, don't just go by the green, yellow and red system as many drivers lie and are too lazy to actually look beyond front row. Also, although many drivers whine about it, the reserved parking can be a godsend when know gonna arrive to a congested area late, simply reserve spot online early in day. I have had the employees boot other drivers from my reserved spot, scumbags shoulda paid. It is not illegal for a company to kick you off private property when out of hrs, it is illegal for you to drive but failure to plan accordingly isn't their problem.

 

Yeah, but that's a long way off.

It's only a few days away actually. Do you really think that many are waiting until the last possible moment that we'll notice a huge change that day?

 

I've almost never been stopped that early. It depends where you run but after a while you'll get to know where you can find parking later on in the day.

 

I don't understand the 7PM fear. You would think the ready mix plants would be closed then, you could pop into one. If you are running a bulk tanker.

With the driving limitations, I would start looking for a spot at the 8th hour of driving. Soon you find one get it. Rest of your day be ######.

Everyone is apparently doing the same filling the truckstops around dinner time.

 

Drivers now days.

Even in a fairy tail, Cinderella's coach did not turn into a pumpkin until after midnight.

Drivers at Schneider, that time Is 7pm. They must need more beauty sleep over there at Schneider bulk.

 

Yes can see how this would really become a predicament you don't want although i thought parking on the off ramps was illegal anyway.

 

There is always the alternative. Try to park up at your consignee if your allowed, if not, then the other option would be to pay for parking.

 

As the others have stated try to start your day early if you can. Use the Trucker Path App to find stops along your way outside of the norm. Talk to other drivers in your circle and ask them if shippers or consignees will allow you to sleep on property or on the street just outside.

 

I would never take 10 on a ramp, that's just begging for a ticket. If you're running hazmat you definitely don't want to park there. With Schneider contact dispatch, they have drop yards everywhere. That tanker might be hard to sneak into Walmart, but dry van you could park where they have dedicated.

I wouldn't even wait until 7pm, running days I'm on duty no later than 3am. Generally I only go on duty between 3pm and 3am. By 4am spots open up in truck stops. Plan ahead, if you know you have to shutdown at a bad time contact dispatch immediately while they csn still do something. If they can't help start shutting down with 3 hours of driving left. Use trucker path and tour every ts on your route. If you get down to 1 hour hit a walmart. Use satellite view to be sure they don't have bushes in their lot since that's a sure sign they tow and hard to maneuver.