Do you run you're whole clock or shut down before night?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DAX_, Sep 28, 2017.

  1. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2016
    Messages:
    1,791
    Thanks Received:
    2,612
    Location:
    Corsicana, TX
    0
    It really depends on the load. I always set my pta well in advance of delivery and communicate with the planners and my DM en route about how it's going and what I'm looking to do when I get there. I try to know in advance what my next load is.

    And it sounds like maybe you drive for Swift...? If so you can park at the terminal. If no parking in the terminal, pass the entrance and directly around the curve there's plenty of curbside parking. The Courtyard Marriott Stapleton is another 1000 feet away. Go hit up the bar in there and pass out in your truck. Just make sure your pta is pushed out at least 12 hours if you do, that way a random breath test(breath test in particular) won't be used against you
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  2. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2016
    Messages:
    1,791
    Thanks Received:
    2,612
    Location:
    Corsicana, TX
    0
    And if you are a swift company driver, don't think you can't refuse the load if they send it. You absolutely can. Also, if they try to give you a bunk load, call the Denver terminal and ask for a 636 planner and see about getting a load of beer cans(empty) heading back down 287 to Ft Worth. Keep your ### out of the ice and snow ;)
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  3. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Messages:
    14,663
    Thanks Received:
    18,419
    Location:
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    Swift gives us options that many other companies don't when it comes to responding to a preplan.

    A lot of dirt is thrown around about Swift.
    But if you know the system and how it works, it can be a very good place to work.



    Park at the Swift terminal in Denver - or on the street?
    Nope.
    I would rather pay for reserved parking at the TA. And I always do when heading into Denver.
    (I really need a good cup of coffee in the morning, somewhere to throw my trash, maybe a snack, maybe or...)
     
    Lepton1 and RedRover Thank this.
  4. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2016
    Messages:
    1,791
    Thanks Received:
    2,612
    Location:
    Corsicana, TX
    0
    Paid parking at TA is usually full there by like 7-8. Earlier, really. Better have it booked and not think you'll be able to pay when you get there because it will be gone.
     
  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Messages:
    14,663
    Thanks Received:
    18,419
    Location:
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    Yes.
    Heading to Denver I book early, like when I get the load assignment.

    I do that in any area that I know is bad for parking, if I have the option.

    Everyone was against the reserved parking when it first came to be. I was as well.
    I thought it was just a money grab from the truck stops.
    But I have learned otherwise.
    They make some money from me, but I'm sure of a good place to park when and where I need it.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  6. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    4,249
    Thanks Received:
    9,905
    Location:
    Houston
    0
    It's literally about the parking. I've always said, you trip plan to park. Denver is one of the worst areas for truck parking. Those truckstops get full very early and there is not much else around there.

    For me, 80 miles isn't worth the headache. Now, if I had a terminal or some other guaranteed place to park I might think differently. But I would take few chances around Denver.
     
  7. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Messages:
    14,663
    Thanks Received:
    18,419
    Location:
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    I don't take chances in Denver, even though I have a terminal right there.

    That terminal is usually knee deep with trucks and trailers because it is so small in such a large area.
    Even parking bobtail is chancy.

    And what options are there in Denver?
    You have a major hub of traffic with few options for parking.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  8. crb

    crb Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2009
    Messages:
    1,676
    Thanks Received:
    1,374
    Location:
    USA
    0
    I run it down just as low as I can everyday or until I make it home. But I don't have appt times. I turn on my 10 also.
     
  9. BB203

    BB203 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2016
    Messages:
    179
    Thanks Received:
    231
    Location:
    Missouri Ozarks
    0
    I run my clock down pretty much every day. I don't have appointment times usually because I'm pulling a dump bucket. My goal is to empty the bucket as soon as I can and get it full again as quickly as possible.

    Sometimes this happens multiple times a day and sometimes I go on a long trip like I am on now. Nevertheless I run my 11 down to minutes and 14 as well. But I'm not pulling one of those big boxes and I can load or unload in as little as 5 minutes. I'm usually lucky with parking but then again I'll park most anywhere, my trailer is only 40 foot so I can fit in some places y'all can't.
     
  10. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2012
    Messages:
    12,647
    Thanks Received:
    25,588
    Location:
    Yukon, OK
    0
    Get the Trucker's Path app. You can see availability of parking at any rest area or truck stop. It's a big help when your clocks are getting low. Small independent truck stops seldom have the the parking problems of large chains.

    As for the Swift Denver terminal, that's a tight yard. You can easily spend half an hour and dozens of GOALS to get into a spot. Think the Tacoma Love's on steroids.
     
    BB203 and RedRover Thank this.