How often do you truck drivers stop for breaks, leg stretching, etc?

Well, that certainly is a menagerie of responses. Thought 3 hours was max, unless high temps then tire check every two hours. If you are hazmat load, everytime you stop you check the tires. Going all 11 without a break is not only cruel, but unusual. I am sure some supertruckers claim that they don't stop because of the money. The older I have gotten, the more I realize that a change of habitat is not only pleasant, but required unless you enjoy sore joints, tushes and generally tired feeling. It is rejuvenating to get out, stretch, (check your straps, if you are flatbed).

 

Seems like every couple of hours, but only for a couple of minutes at a time>relieve bladder, kick the tires, and go. 14 hour rule and elogs has changed a job I loved into a JOB.

If I start the clock in the early AM (0200-0400), I usually have to take a one to two hour nap around daybreak.

 

I try to stop every 3 hours so I can walk the dog! Before we had a dog in the truck with us it wasn't anything for me to drive 7-8 hours straight. Doc told me that it is important to get out of the truck every few hours to help with blood circulation in the legs!

 

I'm paid by the hour and after the first 5.5 hours, I have to take a 1 hour break. After another 5.5 hours in the same shift, I have to take at least a 30 minute break.

When I'm tired of driving around a bunch of idiots, I usually pull off the next rest area for a short break. But with my luck, as soon as I pull back on the road, another pack of idiots will be right there with you.

 

stop @ every 3 hours or so whether the dog wants to be walked or not. if i'm running really late might stretch it to 6. after 3 hours the bad knees start aching. i know this sounds goofy but to help with blood circulation i've actually bought some of those compression stockings to wear when i know i won't be able to stop as much as i want. as silly at i feel wearing them they actually have helped quite a bit.

 

2-3 hrs, drain excess coffee, check reefer, go again. Average 550 miles a day in a 60 mph truck. I try my best not to go into the 11th hour rolling, unless I know exactly where I'm stopping and they have room (company yard, etc).

 

Whenever I get tired/ uncomfortbale- I done 11 hrs straight b4 no problem in an almost 14 hr drive up in Northern Ontario (You can drive 13 hrs in Canada and I dove just over 1300km @ 100km/hr (60mph) so I logged her by how many miles I did). Basically, If I'm feeling good, I have no reason to pull over.

 

Anyone have their pet cat ride with them?

 

I drive local grocery delivery so most of my loads are two hour trips or less - I try to get there non-stop then I get plenty of stretching done with having to tailgate pallets.

 

Definitely won't stop unless i have to hit the restroom.
Usually two to three stops per 700 miles.