Was Late today

My carrier dispatches at an assumed 50 mph. So I take actual miles (not paid) and use that - then add 10%, drop in required HOS breaks and plan to arrive an hour early. That usually keeps me out of trouble. So, if I have extra time? The best thing I've found is to get the load and get going. If you have extra time, its best spent within a few miles of where you're going; sitting at the truckstop where you get loaded is time wasted - what happens if you have problems enroute? Also, if you plan on say 55 mph, know that if that's what you set your cruise control at, you'll be late. Planning on 55 (or 50 or whatever) is only a floor - if you don't exceed that number then starting up, slowing down, stoplights, traffic will eat into your plan. Plan on 55? You need to be doing 60 as much as is legal, safe and possible.

OTOH... the routing software that the load planners use, sometimes send us down US and state highways rather than interstates. That's ok, but...

Years ago those used to be open highways - good roads. Take US30 through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In Ohio its a 4-lane divided highway, much of which is limited access - almost an interstate. You get into Indiana and it becomes a high-speed road with plenty of stoplights, especially going through some of the larger towns. Once you hit Valpariso, its a stop n' go urban street, dropping down to a city street going west through Chicago Heights. 50 mph? Better plan on 30 through much of it.

Finally always check to see what happens if you get delayed at the shipper... its always worth it to figure out what the latest you can leave (with no extra breaks, etc) just so you can go pound on them to get it in the wagon. Also good for letting dispatch know up front that there may be trouble down the line.

 

Thank you, there is not much information on trip planning. Thanks again for your input and point of view.

 

This is what I was going to suggest. I overslept one time as well for the exact same reason. I was at the customer, but I didn't bump the dock on time. My Screamin Meanie battery died and didn't go off. That day I bought another. Now 2 of them go off every morning(but a few minutes apart obviously) so I don't get in this same situation again.

Don't let it get to you though. #### happens. I let it get to me as well and it did me no good.

 

I use my factory satellite radio alarm. It runs off the truck batteries. It's nice waking to music rather than a screaming meanie.
If I'm tired and just getting a few hours sleep, I'll set my cell phone also as a backup.
I've waken up late but I usually allow myself an hour of me time and coffee and an hour early arrival. Two hours is a good cushion.

 

Never worry about being late. They sure don't mind making a driver sit and wait, do they?

 

That why you're an EX driver?

 

I used to be a Wedding Officiant.

Nothing is more important than this day in a woman's life and I will not be a dark spot on it by being late.

Therefore, it's two alarm clocks and leave with enough time to change a tire.

I feel your pain on being late. I don't like it and I work hard to not be late.

For me, I just do not like that "rushed" feeling. I'm a low stress type of idiot.

 

Negative. I was always on time. If I was late, it was weather related, bad directions, etc. Usually it wouldn't matter, as you usually have to wait for the customer to load/unload you, at their leisure.

I got fed up with all the BS, and moved onto greener pastures. I still have my CDL as a "plan B", if needed.