What does running hard mean to you?

I agree.

Most loads you don't need to 'run hard'. There is ample time for meal and rest breaks, and more than a strict 10 hour sleep break.
Some loads require it, but I try to avoid them.

Since my truck is my home, I see no reason to push myself to the limit 24/7 in anticipation of my next home time 'visit'.
Many see it differently, as the $$$ is more important than safety and sanity.

 

My thing is I'm not out here to make money, i am, but that's not my main priority. I love my job and enjoy what I do for a living, trucking is my life. I don't want to get run down and tired of my job like i have in the past.

I run hard maybe once a week, all the other days its just relax and let the wind blow through your hair

 

Running hard is getting there on time every time!! I run hard but when the P/U appointment was at 12 Mid Night and you are just dispatched on it at 1500 and you are an hour away you will be late to unload. Dispatchers are liars and they will lie up a storm to get in good with the broker or customer, I tell them if they are late on the dispatch I will be late on the delivery 110% guaranteed. Why run my tail when they were sitting on it waiting for more money on the run? Doesn't make any sense.

 

Running hard ISdifferent to everyone you ask. For US it means changing drivers in under 30 mins, BR break and get food while other driver fuels, only a 15 min break or 3 during your 11. We used to leave Laredo with a 1,380 mile trip and try to break our last best record. In a truck that was governed at 62 it took 25hrs 30 mins with average speed of 54 mph and stop time of 2 hr 20 mins. Our GPS kept the records, TMI for me, but I took a pic. LOL. we would try to beat that but that's about the best we ever made that trip. It helped that we did that trip at least 3 times a month, usually more.
Just remember though, if you don't get there safely and legally it's pretty much a mute point how hard you drove.
Stay safe but have fun.

 

What does it mean to me?
Trying to make a little extra so I can survive, wife and kids need most of it so they can live in that house no problem.

 

Granted I don't drive otr but here's my thoughts. I don't drive much but do work lots of 16-17 hrs day on the farm. Driving tractor. Never ever have I skipped a shower even if I was getting back up in 4 hrs. But anyway. Running hard is using all your hrs if you have a place to drive to. If you are running legal I can't imagine not having time in a 10 hr break to take a #### shower. I haven't slept 8 hrs since the 4th grade

 

I sleep 8-9 hours... 1-2 hours for stuff, pre-trips, breakfast, shower, and social.

 

Driving 187000 miles or so every year

 

Again, I agree.

That's what trucking is all about.

Freedom.

 

yep..thats the way they ran me.and then when you stand up and say "whooa,thats not legal"they say......"want to keep yer job?"