I am a fairly new trucker with a major carrier and have been struggling with time management issues, but I think I finally found a schedule that works to my likening. I start driving at Midnight in my terminals time zone if I can. I enjoy driving half the night, as there is not much traffic if any, and most weigh stations are closed. I get to a truck stop mid-morning when there are plenty of open parking spaces.
My typical schedule as a trucker if everything goes right and it is not a fuel, maintenance, or customer day.
11:15 P-12: Wake up, Shower, Get a Drink, Pre-Trip Inspection
12:00A-4:00: Drive, Radio: Music
4:00-7:00: Drive, Radio: Howard Stern
7:00-10:00: Drive, Radio: Various news channels, NPR, comedy channels
10:00-2:00P: Post Trip Inspection, Lunch, Planning, Misc. items
2:00-2:30: Exercise
2:30-11:15: Sleep
I obviously adapt this depending on the customers times but most of my loads are drop and hook and dont take much time. Easy way to make money but I will probably quit when my college debt is paid off.
Typical schedule for a newbie.
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Vagabond4ever, Jan 3, 2013.
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Whatever works for you. Personally I plan my days where I drive as little at night as possible.
TruckerSue Thanks this. -
There really is no typical schedule for Otr. Whatever works best for you. I personally like to start around 4 or 5 am myself, doesn't always work but for the most part it does.
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I love to start my day 10 hours after I park. That can be whenever, but I hate to try to park at 1600-2200 local.
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never try to park late afternoon or early evening. I always planned to be in by 2 or 3 in the afternoon if possible, but it all depends on what the load schedule is. If I can get rid of it quicker I'll get there quicker if it's an appt. I'll be there a little early.
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Since I'm on a dedicated fleet now I'm learning the places that have spots 24/7, but they're few and far between
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Why night driving is the best,always a place to park during the day.
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And you forgot the waiting hours at a time for shippers and consignees,sitting in traffic,yelling a 4 wheelers and driving while feeling like death is in the passenger seat laughing at you due to you being sick as a dog.Last edited: Jan 3, 2013
TruckerSue Thanks this. -
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In a perfect OTR world, I start my day between 3-4am, and finish 600 miles later that day. Sometimes, because of these awesome shippers/receivers, awesome 4-wheelers, and awesome weather it doesn't always work out like that.
I also see from your schedule that you'll be taking a 12 hour break rather than a 10. Any reason for that? If the miles are there to drive, drive them.
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