Trip Planning

When I was with Landstar, there were no qualcomm directions (and no smartphone apps like Google Maps to show you your customers location from a satellite picture). Old school, had 2 or 3 shoe boxes of city maps, an atlas and a cell phone (flip phone no less).

Current company doesn't use qualcomm for much, no directions period. But many of our customers are regulars, so once you've been there the 1st time, it's much easier to find...and Google Maps now makes finding them the 1st time much easier.

As for trip planning, I always add at least one hour more than the maximum, just in case Mr. DOT decides it's my turn to stop and say hi with a level 1. I don't do any fancy algebra calculations. I look at my distance, figure 600 miles minimum in a 10 driving hour day on the long runs and add and hour and a half or two per day (depending on weather, and what cities I am passing thru) for incidental stuff like that silly 30 minute break and traffic. Then the last night before I deliver, I park as close to the place as I can find a decent truck stop (or I park at a Pilot or Love's) then add my extra DOT hour to what ever travel time remains. Many like to park at a customer if available, but I try not to if I can help it. I want to be close to a mens room if nature calls suddenly, and I hate to stink from skipping a shower just before I deliver.

 

Because of the 14 hour clock, I wouldn't plan for too much extra time. This could potentially leave you unable to pick up the next load.

Just something to think about.