How do you guys drive coast to coast, what is your routine?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Trukie, Apr 13, 2021.

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  1. Trukie

    Trukie Bobtail Member

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    Want to ask the O/Os
    How do you guys drive the 1200-2000 mile trips
    What stops do you guys make .. like do you drive for a couple hours and stop 30 minutes to check out the truck or do you run with as little stops as possible
    Im a local driver thats going to start running interestate and want some advice
     
    Trukie, Apr 13, 2021
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  2. QuietStorm

    QuietStorm Heavy Load Member

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    Pre trip, 4-5 hours driving, 30, 4-5 hours, quick break, drive to where I’m shutting down, post trip, sleep as close to 10 hours as possible, do it again.
     
    QuietStorm, Apr 13, 2021
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  3. 12 ga

    12 ga THE VIEW FROM MY OFFICE

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    Keep the left door closed. If the wheels aren't turning you ain't earning.
     
    12 ga, Apr 13, 2021
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  4. mud23609

    mud23609 Medium Load Member

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    Special toothpicks.
     
    mud23609, Apr 13, 2021
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  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Those guys drive like crazy.
    Me? I take my time and allow for delays along the way and plenty of time for cooking good meals and watching some shows when I shut down for the night.

    Maybe that is a difference between O/O and company? I don't know.
    All I have to worry about is getting to where I am going on time and safe.
    I do not have to worry about all the crap they do to make a living out here.

    Do the math on running 14 hours a day with 10 off. It would have you starting 2 hours earlier each day.
    Start at 0600 today, 0400 the next, 0200 the next.
    Could you live with that schedule? Even IF the loads would let you.

    I run day time and take at least a 12 hour break.
    At least 12 hours.

    Sometimes it doesn't work out that way, but I can usually maintain it.

    I will not burn myself out for any job.
     
    Moosetek13, Apr 13, 2021
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  6. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    I’ve never done coast to coast, but I usually drive for a few hours then stop for 10-15 minutes and do a walk around and stretch, usually every 3-4 hours

    some guys will say “keep the door closed” but the translation to that is usually run as hard as possible for as little money as you can find, get out and stretch, drink water (not soda) get out to use the restroom, stretch, kick tires, check wheel seals etc, even if it’s only 10-15 minutes, then get back to it
     
    abyliks, Apr 13, 2021
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  7. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Was a lot easier before Nancy Reagan,,,:eek:
     
    201, Apr 13, 2021
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  8. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    Cooler full of Mtn Dew and a case of twinkies..
    Next thing ya know your 5 states over.
     
    Dennixx, Apr 13, 2021
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  9. slow.rider

    slow.rider Road Train Member

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    150 miles between breaks. 200 if time is of the essence. Don't go longer just because you feel like you can. Get out and take a few steps and let some blood flow thru your joints.
     
    slow.rider, Apr 13, 2021
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  10. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

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    I take it you’re not a chicken hauler?
     
    mustang190, Apr 13, 2021
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