Can someone help with basic planning...

First things first (and there is plenty of info here if you'll search for it) ... you need to know what FMCSA HOS rules allow you to do in a day (and over 8 days) in terms of hours you can work and/or drive. Then you can take the next steps in trip planning which can get pretty deep in some complex multi-stop scenarios with appointment times, weather, traffic, etc.

For speed averaging, on mostly interstate, wide open road, summer time, with construction, I use 58 MPH average in a 65 MPH truck, maybe 53 if off the interstate mostly.

 

Plan you day and trip,,take time to plot your route,,figure how far you want to go that day,,plan your stops for lunch and where you will stop for the night,,take in consideration, traffic ,weather and where rest stops and truckstops are..Rememebr to always take your time,,when you hurry you make mistakes

 

Ok. This is what I do. 50 MPH in a governed 65 mph. I usually drive all of my first 7 hours take a 30. This is when I plan where I'm going to stop. I use an app called truckers path. Find the interstate you'll be traveling. Go north south east or west and find a truck stop. Click the i. In the info it will say how many miles away you are. One you gain your 3 on top of what you have left in your eight calculate if you'll make it there or not. If not then back track back to where you will. I do the same for deliveries and what not. Hope this kinda helps.

 

it's the same when building a house ,,make a plan ,,don't just grab a hammer and a fist full of nails and go at it,,

Many drivers lack time management skills..companies don't teach it because all they want is a drive they can push..


I estimate a 50mph average,,if I do better ok,,

 

Trip planning
-Motor Carrier atlas for the big roads.
-Shipper/Consignee for the local directions.
-Try to avoid major metro areas during rush hour(s) if possible.
-Average speed depends where you run, governed speed, weather etc. 50 mph is usually a safe number to go with until you get to know what's what.

Time management
-Don't waste time.
-Just because you're on track to be at destination 7 hours early doesn't mean sit in the truck stop for an extra 7 hours. That's when you'll blow a tire 20 miles out or get stuck on the Interstate because of a pile up that closes the road for 8 hours.
-Don't waste time.

It's not rocket science. Figure an average of 50 mph, don't waste time, account for fuel/meal stops and you should be OK.

 

if you don't want the app,get the little pocket guide for truck stops and rest areas.

http://www.truckandtravel.com/buy_now.html

found at most truck stops

it about $7 and handy to keep around.

I don't app.,(or any phone noodling), while driving so a paperclip on a few pages and it's ready for quick reference.

 

Once you get a little experience, you'll plan you trips so that you can park for the night and there are things nearby you, that interest you. And that is good ,so long as you deliver on time.

at first you will park anywhere, once you know the country, and what's nearby everywhere, you'll adapt.
Thats what every species does, adapt and hastily consume everything in their environment ,

 

This little book is by far more helpful than the $20.00 one that's bigger. Problem with the $20.00 one is the fact that all the truck stops are listed in alphabetical order by cities. When you're out there driving, you don't have time to look up a city and where it's going to be 2 hours away. You need to be able to quickly look at what truck stops are available on the interstate you're on or the interstate you're going to be on. The little book mentioned above has pretty much all truck stops located in it that exist, as well as rest areas, however, there are always new ones and out of the way ones that aren't in this book. If you happen to pass one, take note of it and jot it down in the book later. This little book lists truck stops by interstates and exit numbers, ... far superior than the more costly "thicker" book. Cheers!

 

I would also advise that you make the least amount of stops as possible starting out as a new driver. A minute here and a minute there adds up quick. I learned fast that it's best to even have a "bathroom" device for inside the truck where you can just safely pull over somewhere and make waste quick and keep rolling. Pulling in truck stops and even rest areas can consume time when you're working your 14 hours. I always keep a gatorade bottle for urinating and a 5 gallon bucket that also serves as my garbage can. 8 gallon bags are perfect for these. I went inside Wal-Mart and bought a toilet lid for use over the 5 gallon bucket. If I have to resort to this manuever, I will proceed to do so and tie the bag up .... cover with another bag ... and throw away at my next stop. It actually gets quite easy and comfortable to do this as crazy as it may sound. I was once in a truck stop and the stalls were so nasty, I said to myself ... "#### this, I'll just go out and #### in the truck." Cheers!