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The best laid plans.....never work out! Is planning your day wasted effort?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JustSonny, Mar 30, 2010.

  1. Mar 30, 2010 #1
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    How do you plan your driving/work day when there are so many unknowns? Delays at shippers/receivers, unforeseen tie-ups in traffic, etc...
     
    JustSonny, Mar 30, 2010
    JustSonny, Mar 30, 2010
    #1
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  3. Mar 30, 2010 #2
    simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Always allow some extra time for all of these unforeseen delays.

    And some, you can NEVER plan for, such as break-downs, illness, or an accident that you witness, and have to stick around to give a statement...

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Mar 30, 2010
    simplyred1962, Mar 30, 2010
    #2
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  4. Mar 30, 2010 #3
    Trucked Up

    Trucked Up Light Load Member

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    Allow extra time as you can, and keep dispatch up-to-date -- which is really just a polite way of saying, "Cover your ###." :)
     
    Trucked Up, Mar 30, 2010
    Trucked Up, Mar 30, 2010
    #3
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  5. Mar 31, 2010 #4
    Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

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    I was taught to plan your trip # 50mph. This average takes into account normal stuff like traffic,construction,and some accidents. Most of the time this average does work. Also truckedup is right by letting dispatch know if there is any major delays.
     
    Scuby, Mar 31, 2010
    Scuby, Mar 31, 2010
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  7. Mar 31, 2010 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    As you run and get some experience out there, you'll figure out some obvious things, such as, getting through a major city the night BEFORE you shut down, if possible. Then in the morning, you'll be through the rush hour traffic. If you make observations when going through a long term construction zone this week, then next week you'll remember that and also that you can run the frontage road to get around it, for instance. You'll get familiar with shippers/consignees and their procedures that may help you to get in and out quicker. Fuel stops, ditto. Snow storm coming tonight? Well, Son, get your arse over the mountain now while the road is clear, right? Hang out at a truckstop 50 miles out, and then slip in to town early to make your delivery. Shower up in the early AM, no lines. Consolidate your stops into one, (fuel, shower, eats etc.) Make mental notes on where you can park a truck for a few hours after you deliver, so as not to drive to a truck stop 50 miles away and then get a dispatch for 50 miles the other way just as you pull in. If you witness an accident in front of you, get past the crash scene before you stop and help. (after the fire/parameds/cops arrive, you'll be stuck waiting to get the road cleared). Most is just common sense.
     
    Allow Me., Mar 31, 2010
    Allow Me., Mar 31, 2010
    #5
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  8. Mar 31, 2010 #6
    outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    Very well said. Those are some of the easiest ways to save yourself time and headaches.
     
    outerspacehillbilly, Mar 31, 2010
    outerspacehillbilly, Mar 31, 2010
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  9. Mar 31, 2010 #7
    Machine

    Machine Light Load Member

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    Probably no different in how you plan yours.......
     
    Machine, Mar 31, 2010
    Machine, Mar 31, 2010
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  10. Mar 31, 2010 #8
    simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Well, the best laid plans....can STILL go awry.

    For instance...
    We PLANNED our trip to include an OVERNIGHT stop in Wyndover, NV.
    Had PLENTY of time...even PLANNED for "high winds", and possibly stopping to wait until they died down ....

    Because of accidents caused by "bad-#####-Billy-big riggers" wanting to travel 75 miles an hour in bad weather, and road conditions, we PROBABLY can't even stop for a shower and dinner there....

    Best laid plans, and all, sometimes just don't work out!

    And that's the TWUTHHHH!!

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Mar 31, 2010
    simplyred1962, Mar 31, 2010
    #8
  11. Mar 31, 2010 #9
    otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

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    Then redo your plan and get a night at the Peppermill in Reno!
     
    otherhalftw, Mar 31, 2010
    otherhalftw, Mar 31, 2010
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  12. Mar 31, 2010 #10
    shifty123

    shifty123 Light Load Member

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    No planning is always good as long as you're prepared to deal with detours or whatever.
     
    shifty123, Mar 31, 2010
    shifty123, Mar 31, 2010
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    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
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