I need advice on running recaps.

Running recap hours is not maintaining 8.75 on duty hours each day, it is about averaging 8.75 hours per day over that rolling 8 day period.

As a solo driver it is very easy to do. I really can't remember when or where my last 34 was.
I am out for 4-5 weeks between home times and I always run on recap hours.
It keeps things easy, with plenty of time off between shifts, most times.
And it does require that I choose my loads carefully so I have the time do maintain that rolling average.

Running as a team when the company is trying to run you hard often negates the possibility of running recap hours.
If they run your time out there is no choice but to take a 34 at some point.

Staggering your 34's would require that some of the loads you take would be more of a solo run with much more time.

 

ELDs haven't made things more dangerous. The thing that has made the industry more dangerous is the "hurry up mindframe" like you alluded to. There isn't much planning, just get in and drive. You have 11 hours to drive with decent flexibility. Drivers never learned how to work the clock. The ELD is nothing more than a clock. It's up to the driver to figure out each run.

 

Have one of the teams doing recaps successfully and meeting the appointments call you. Some companies will tell a lie about their drivers doing the impossible just to put pressure on the driver unable to do the impossible. I suspect one of the team drivers (your team and the "get it done" team) is more expert than the other team member. Those two need to talk and transfer that knowledge so you can do what they can do.

Also, the "get it done" teams may just be misusing the HOS and getting away with it, SO FAR. Some drivers take pride in being "creative".

I tried running recaps and after several months the only feedback I got from the company was why are you not pulling as many loads as other drivers? The owner told me he wanted drivers running recaps. I had always used up my 11 per day to meet appointments until I was told to run recaps.

FYI you have to keep your Driving + On-Duty time total averaging no more than 8.75 per day. Maybe the other teams are showing zero On Duty time. Maybe the company is lying about their performance.

 

Exactly.
Averaging 8.75 hours (on duty/driving) per day means a fairly relaxed working schedule.

Well, unless you are trying to cheat the system.
But at some point that cheating will catch up to you in a big way. All it takes is one DOT audit of your time.

 

Ask your company if they want you to strictly run recap hours no matter what or if they would rather have you plan for the loads as they are dispatched to you. Not utilizing a team truck for 6.5 hours a day seems a little foolish in my mind, but if that’s how they are telling you to run then I guess that’s how you run.

 

I'm probably gonna ruffle a few feathers by saying this but I'll do it anyway. Don't worry how your company wants you to run. You're team drivers, husband and wife no less. You are extremely valuable to them and that gives you leverage. If you don't wanna run recaps, DON'T RUN RECAPS. When you make a delivery and you're ready for a reset, do not accept another load unless it's with the clear understanding that it'll be sitting with you until you're ready to move again.

If the company doesn't like it, drop them like a bad habit. Most other companies will be tripping over themselves to poach you away.