mpg question

I wouldn't sweat those fuel messages. I have gotten them as well and have never called in. Hard to be getting 7.5 pulling 44K in the box into 30 mile head winds Lately been in the mid to upper 6's pulling heavier loads and usually in the 7.3-7.4 range with the <20K loads. Been getting quite a few light loads lately <20K but got the old heavy ### tile load on now which is going to be a bear going through the Cumberland gap in a little bit.
As far as the preplan schedule if it looks tight or I know they aren't taking into consideration traffic, etc I will give them my on ETA and let them deal with it from there. I have never had a problem just telling them hey I can't make it on the time stated but I can get there at whatever time. Always give yourself a 30 minute or so extra leeway time, sort of like Scotty on the Enterprise, "I can't do it in three hours captain but I can do it in six" all the while knowing it will take 5

 

Ditto the fuel message, the standard is still 6.4, I think... As long as you stay over that you will stay out of trouble. Fall below that often, and you will be hauled in for some remedial training (electric shock...) Really, just try to stay in the mid 6's and you will be fine. As for windows on deliveries, you can submit a time with your macro 59 other that what is supplied in the pre-plan, but it is always best to call or message your FM and talk with them about it. Don't assume that a load has an all day window, alot of van and refer loads have dock appointments, the planners are putting a time in the pre-plan looking for input from you, so that they can make an appt. that will fit. Again, if you have a question contact your FM.

 

around 8. I hit 10.04 for the month over the summer (which, btw, breaks the system if you go beyond 9.99) followed by a 9 the month after. I used to hear about it. but now it's become old-hat. (though the 10.04 did get a conversation, since people had to do it by hand.)

our trucks have, as a baseline, very good mpgs. that's why we bought them. however, what year your Shaker is, is much more important. I, for example, drive a 03 shaker flatbed tractor. those are going to be the top of the line, as far as mpgs go. the newer model you have, the worse the mpgs get, it has to do with higher emission standards and controls.

I would get a call from my FM friday afternoon, when I launched on a saturday, which generally delivered on that monday. part of that conversation would be if there was a window. However, OTR, get a dispatch, do Roehl-Math on the dispatched miles, ((miles/ 50 = hours) +10&#37; ) + 2 hours for loading + 1 hour for every event on the way (Border Xing, Chicago, NYC.) If that time total, didn't match the plan, when I confirmed the plan, I'd put in my estimate in the ETA.

If, I'm delayed after that point, either at the shipper, or I oversleep on the way, I'll call in. The load being on time, is more important that you delivering it on time. So you keep your FM informed, so if they need to repower the load, it can be done as early as possible.

Oh yeah, and if they complain about my mpgs on the trip, I generally tell them to keep my silly butt out of PA.

Oh, 53-55 mph. I only top out the cruise if I'm worried about an appt. time.