Local job long hours worth it?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Kirbs, Dec 30, 2020.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Messages:
    14,891
    Thanks Received:
    32,268
    Location:
    Memphis, TN
    0
    It depends on you. I can't tell you what's best for you, but for me, I'm an OTR guy. I have a family, and I miss them like hell but when I was local and I had days off, quality time was a minimum because i spent so much time sleeping. The other members complained of slow shippers and receivers, finding parking at night, eating truck stop food......none of that bothers me. As a CDL holder, the best jobs for me are OTR jobs. I dont feel as burned out, even with an off kilter sleep schedule. I find driving on the interstate easier than driving in the city. I find that I have made much more steady money running over the road. The popular answer will be to stay local, but for me, I'll take OTR over local any day.
     
    gntorres61 Thanks this.
  2. cman87

    cman87 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2016
    Messages:
    206
    Thanks Received:
    212
    0
    Of course it's not worth it. No time to exercise and maintain ones health on a schedule like that or pursue any other hobbies

    Just eat, sleep, work and one day die.
     
  3. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2010
    Messages:
    10,911
    Thanks Received:
    23,828
    Location:
    Flint, MI
    0
    Wrong. The "short haul " exemption is a time card vs. graph logging exemption. It has nothing to do with hours able to work. The 60/70, the 14, and the 11 are still in effect. The 30 does (did?) get an exemption though,
    Now practically the 14 and the 11 are covered if you meet the time card exemption, but the 60/70 is still in effect.
     
  4. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2010
    Messages:
    10,911
    Thanks Received:
    23,828
    Location:
    Flint, MI
    0
    Maybe. Back in my OTR days I didn't get burnt out at all as I couldn't do anything around the house anyway. When I was doing even 6 10's it got old fast as I was still trying to do house work (lawn care yes, but even simple stuff like making my meals), plus work 10 hours a day. With only a 20 minute drive to work, showering everyday, food prep it all adds up quickly. That 10 hour break quickly turns into only 6 hours of sleep. For some people that's fine, but I need more.
     
    GreenPete359 Thanks this.
  5. GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2017
    Messages:
    2,152
    Thanks Received:
    5,101
    Location:
    Driving my recliner
    0
    Same here. When i came off the road in 2010 for a local day cab job, i was wet behind the ears so to say. It was 14-16hrs a day plus an hour commute each way. I had days that i treated my house like a sleeper berth. Walk in the door, pee, face plant the bed, wake up, shower, bounce.

    being otr sure i spent more time in the truck, but never worked that hard...not like that.
     
  6. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2014
    Messages:
    19,980
    Thanks Received:
    215,674
    Location:
    OH
    0

    Screenshot_20201230-135100_Chrome.jpg

    Ok, show me were a driver on a time card operating in 150 miles of a domiciled terminal that you are required to. It was 12 hours/ 100 miles. Now 14 hours/150 miles. I guess I don't know how to operate my own business. Plus my compliance officer and PUCO inspector is wrong. Educate me?)
     
  7. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    Messages:
    1,716
    Thanks Received:
    4,859
    Location:
    New Hampshire
    0
    I like to get 6 hours, but usually if I’m able to get 5 that keeps me going. I try not to run on 4 very long. Sunday mornings I sleep in till 8-8:30 though.
     
    ZVar Thanks this.
  8. Hazmat Cat

    Hazmat Cat Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2019
    Messages:
    636
    Thanks Received:
    1,778
    0
    My local job is only 4 days a week. Longest day this week was 12 hours. Just gotta find the job that’s right for you. I like sleeping in my bed and being in the house I pay for. Then of course gf, family, friends, etc..
     
  9. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2010
    Messages:
    10,911
    Thanks Received:
    23,828
    Location:
    Flint, MI
    0
    Nice screenshot. Where does it state anything about hours are irreverent on the short haul?
    To answer your question it's right on 395.3.

    Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)

    Now my question to you, is where is the regs stating the 60/70 is not used when using the short haul exemption? Here, to make easier I'll even copy the regs for short haul....

    So yes, if you want to be offended and not run legal that's fine. But be aware you are not running legal if you break the 60/70 hour clock even running short haul.

    Also note the short haul specifically exempts you from 395.8 and 395.11. It does not exempt you from 395.3
    395.8 Is record of duty status, 395.11 is supporting documents and 395.3 is max driving time, property.
     
    kylefitzy Thanks this.
  10. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2010
    Messages:
    3,884
    Thanks Received:
    9,080
    Location:
    ludlow MA
    0
    You guys do realize there’s options inbetween living in a truck for weeks on end and working ~18 hours a day? First 7 years of my career were local, you can keep that nonsense, leave the house Monday at 9-10 am, parked in the yard Friday around noon time, can get away with being out 2 nights, but it easier to do 3 usually, and I’m not completely wiped out from working 16 hours, commuting an hour plus, just to go home to shower and pass out to get 5-6 hours of sleep
     
    jamespmack Thanks this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.